He insisted that the result does little to derail their Betway Premiership title ambitions.

Despite failing to find the net at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Ouaddou praised his players for the quality of football they produced against a stubborn Babina Noko outfit.

The stalemate saw the Buccaneers remain second on the league table, level on 29 points with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. However, Pirates trail on goal difference, although they still have a game in hand over the defending champions.

"We started the game with the right intensity that I wanted and was expecting," Ouaddou said.

"We deserved at least a goal in the first half. It could have helped us to create more space between the lines, but it was difficult to break Sekhukhune's compact block."

The Moroccan tactician urged patience and belief, stressing that performances like these will eventually yield results.

"We have to keep working and believing in what we are doing. I am not worried at all, especially when you look at how we played. We just need to remain confident," he added.

Pirates once again struggled against Sekhukhune, who had already beaten them earlier in the season, but Ouaddou felt his side did enough to win the match.

"In the second half, after an hour, we introduced some impact players," he said, referring to the introductions of Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis.

"They raised the intensity even higher and helped us create chances."

Ouaddou conceded that luck was not on their side, but praised his players' commitment.

"There are days like this in football when the ball just doesn't want to go in," he said.

"But I am really proud of my players. They gave everything, and the quality of football we played was very interesting."

Pirates will look to return to winning ways when they host Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening (6pm).

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