Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised his players for grinding out a valuable victory against Milford FC.

The Buccaneers got their title defence off to a positive start after claiming a 2-0 victory over Milford in their opening Betway Premiership encounter.

Goals from Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi guided the Sea Robber to victory at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.

The Buccaneers mentor admitted his side were not at their fluent best in their Betway Premiership opener

“Look, it was not an easy game for the opening game of the PSL, I expected a little bit more in terms of being dominant on the ball, more control on the ball. I think first half even we managed to create some chances to kill the game,” Ouaddou told SuperSport after the game.

“I don’t think we had the control of the game, in the second half we made some tactical adjustments in order to find more players in the half spaces and at the same time to be more patient to give the opportunity to the second line to give us to find the run.

“Because I felt that everybody wants the ball on the feet at the same line and we didn’t put this team in trouble too much in the first half but in the second we managed to create like three or four chances but ok we have to give credit to the boys in the opening game.

“We can see that some of the players still a little bit tired with the World Cup, but good three points to take and we move on.”