Ouaddou Calls Sundowns Clash A Defining Title Test For Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou has acknowledged that facing Mamelodi Sundowns will be a massive test — one that could determine whether his side can sustain their push for the league title until the end of the season.

Pirates will host Sundowns in a top-of-the-table Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, with the Soweto giants currently leading the standings.

Ouaddou’s men sit on 38 points after 16 matches, six ahead of second-placed Sundowns, who have a game in hand.

Pirates head into the encounter on a strong run of form. They are unbeaten in their last 14 matches this season and have not lost to Sundowns in their previous four meetings across all competitions.

“I think my players have humility and ambition — and we don’t confuse the two,” said Ouaddou.

“We are humble. We know how difficult it is to get into this position and how much commitment it took to reach it.

“But now, as I told you, it will be a test for us — to see if we have the character and mentality to say, ‘We stay here, we hold on, and we see where we are at the end of the season.’”

Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, who addressed the media alongside Ouaddou on Monday, echoed his coach’s sentiments. He admitted that facing a side that has won the league eight consecutive times will push them to their limits, but he is embracing the challenge.

“For us, it’s a test of character as a group — to ask ourselves if we can do this week in and week out,” said Sibisi.

“We have to deliver performances and wins consistently. It doesn’t stop on Wednesday; there are still many games to be played and won.

“So it’s a big test for the group, and we will see how far we can go.”