Can Orlando Pirates Claim The Treble? Ouaddou Respond
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou has downplayed talk of a potential treble this season, insisting that his side is focused on taking things one game at a time — with their immediate goal being to win the Carling Knockout trophy.
The Moroccan tactician, who took over at the start of the season from the much-loved José Riveiro, guided the Soweto giants to the Carling Knockout final after a 1-0 semifinal victory over Richards Bay at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
It marks Pirates’ first appearance in this competition’s final since the 2018/19 season, when they suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Baroka FC at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
However, this is already Pirates’ second cup final of the campaign, having lifted the MTN8 trophy two months ago after defeating Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium.
“I think we take it game by game,” said Ouaddou, whose team moved up to second place in the Betway Premiership after a midweek win over Golden Arrows in Durban.
Pirates currently sit on 22 points from 10 matches, two points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two games more.
“We are taking it step by step, and the target is to win every game,” Ouaddou added. “Once we set foot on the pitch, the players’ goal is to deliver great performances and great results.
“In a final, you don’t just play — you win. So, the target is clear: to win that final, and that’s it.”
Pirates’ record in this tournament, however, doesn’t make for pleasant reading. In their last two finals — including the loss to Baroka — they also went down 2-1 to Platinum Stars in the 2013/14 season, when Mogakolodi Ngele scored twice.
The Buccaneers last lifted this trophy in the 2011/12 season, the same year they completed a historic domestic treble after winning the MTN8 and the league title. That campaign also marked the last time Pirates were crowned league champions before Mamelodi Sundowns began their era of dominance, winning the past eight consecutive titles.
