“Only The First Half”: Ouaddou Refuses To Celebrate Pirates’ MTN8 Advantage

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expects Sekhukhune United to adopt a different approach when the sides meet in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Orlando Amstel Arena this weekend.

The Buccaneers took a significant step towards reaching the final after securing a crucial 1-0 victory away to Babina Noko at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

As the defending champions, Pirates will be looking to deliver another strong performance in front of their home fans and secure their place in the final.

However, before the second leg, Pirates will host Sekhukhune in a Betway Premiership encounter at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, making it three consecutive meetings between the two sides.

Ouaddou remains cautious, stressing that the tie is only at the halfway stage and that he expects Sekhukhune to adopt a completely different approach in the second leg.

“I’m happy with the game because the target was to come here and go back with the result,” said Ouaddou.

“But at the same time, it’s only the first half. We can face a completely different game in one week. I don’t know if we will face different players because their best players played today [on Saturday]. I think we will face quite the same team, maybe with a different approach in that game.

“We will have time to think about that game and prepare for it. But definitely, in front of our fans in the arena, with a big pitch, we hope to finally qualify for the final. But it was only the first half.”