“At Orlando Pirates, You Must Win Finals”: Ouaddou Hails Buccaneers After MTN8 Triumph
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says coaching a club of the Soweto giants’ stature comes with a clear mandate: reach finals and bring home trophies.
Ouaddou’s remarks came after Pirates secured a place in their fifth consecutive MTN8 final, sweeping past Sekhukhune United 3-0 in the second leg of their semi-final tie at a packed Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday to seal a 4-0 aggregate victory.
Much-maligned forward Yanela Mbuthuma starred for the Buccaneers, setting up both first-half goals for Thapelo Xoki and Gamphani Lungu. Although Sekhukhune mounted a brief fightback after the break, substitute Kamogelo Sebelebele sealed the win with a 93rd-minute strike.
The victory capped a dominant week for Pirates against Babina Noko. Across their recent league and cup trilogy, the Buccaneers scored six unanswered goals against Sekhukhune, having also earned a 2-0 midweek league win in Soweto.
Pirates remain untouchable in the MTN8, having not suffered an elimination since losing to Moroka Swallows during the 2021/22 season.
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, Ouaddou praised his side’s tactical discipline and winning mindset:
“Reaching the final was always the target. When you are coaching or playing for Orlando Pirates, the expectation is to reach finals and win them,” said Ouaddou.
“I want to give immense credit to the boys because they made me proud today. We kept another clean sheet, showed great organization, executed our display with discipline, and took our goals.
“We controlled the second half much better. Now, as we prepare for the final, the goal is simple: we must go and win it.”
Having lifted the MTN8 trophy in each of the last four seasons, Orlando Pirates now await the winner of the second semi-final between Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
