Ouaddou Still In Pain By CAF Exit

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reiterated that the Buccaneers’ early exit from the CAF Champions League remains painful, but he is determined to shift focus to the club’s remaining domestic competitions.

The Buccaneers were eliminated in the second preliminary round of the Champions League by the Congolese team Lupopo, a result that left Ouaddou and his team heartbroken.

Despite that, the 1995 African champions are enjoying a successful domestic campaign as they have won three trophies so far this season, including the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and Carling Cup.

With two trophies still up for grabs, the Betway Premiership and the Nedbank Cup, Ouaddou is confident that his team can still achieve great things.

“I’m not happy with not participating in the Champions League, and as a coach it’s my target and also for the club,” Ouaddou said.

It was made worse as Pirates reached the semi-final of the competition last season under much-loved Jose Riveiro, losing to eventual winners Pyramids.

“It was a big disappointment when we didn’t manage to go to the group stages. My heart was broken, but it’s part of football; we’re going to cry all day or throughout the season,” continued Ouaddou.

“I think it’s part of the game. Now we have to write another chapter and story, and that’s what we’re doing now, focusing on what we have on the table.

“The players are doing it fantastically, and let’s see what happens in the second half of the season, because I told you that the most difficult thing will start in the second half of the season.

“We will see the consequences of the team, but I’m very confident that if my players respect football, everything is possible.

“Respecting football is how you’re training, how you’re attacking, how you’re defending, how you’re respecting the lifestyle, how you’re eating every day, and how you sleep every day.”

The Buccaneers are currently leading the log standings, and with nine players in the Bafana Bafana squad, they have a wealth of talent at their disposal.

After a well-deserved break over the festive season and the Africa Cup of Nations, Pirates will return to action in January, ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

With their sights set on the Betway Premiership and the Nedbank Cup, Ouaddou’s team will be looking to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment and make a strong push for more silverware.