“Still Starving”: Ouaddou Sends Clear Warning To Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side is still “starving” for more success as they prepare to defend their Carling Knockout Cup title in Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Pirates, who won a domestic treble last season—including the Carling Knockout Cup—were unable to retain their MTN8 trophy after surrendering it to Mamelodi Sundowns in October’s final in Durban.

Their hold on the Carling Knockout will be put to the test on Saturday in what marks the fourth meeting between the two sides this season. Facing the same opponent four times in three months with the sole objective of winning presents a unique challenge.

The two teams previously met in a two-legged MTN8 semi-final, which Pirates won 4–0 on aggregate. Sandwiched between those cup ties, the Buccaneers also emerged victorious in their first-round league encounter, securing a 2–0 win in Soweto.

Ouaddou, who took charge at the start of last season and guided the Soweto giants to three trophies, stated that he inherited a group fully committed to maintaining their winning standards.

“I found the mentality of winners; I found the mentality of a club that wants to win everything,” said Ouaddou.

“It is what I found, and I tried to stay to that standard with the players. Of course, it is really an important cup for us, and you can see the way we are playing in the competition.

“The commitment of our players when we are playing these games; it’s not a competition that we underestimate.

“I found the hunger in the club, and we are still, what I can tell you, starving for more success.”

The 48-year-old Moroccan tactician holds an impressive record in charge of Pirates, boasting 47 wins, six losses, and nine draws across 62 matches in all competitions.