Ouaddou Itching To Play Against Sundowns In The Classico
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou has described the upcoming Betway Premiership showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns as a “classico”, saying it is the kind of match every player dreams of making their mark in.
The highly anticipated encounter at FNB Stadium will feature the teams currently occupying first and second place in the league standings.
The Soweto giants lead the table with 38 points from 16 matches, six points ahead of second-placed Sundowns, who have a game in hand.
While Sundowns were in CAF Champions League action on Saturday, Pirates secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in front of the packed Orlando Amstel Arena, delivering a dominant performance. Rising star Relebohile Mofokeng once again stole the spotlight.
Mofokeng was involved in two goals, setting up Yanela Mbuthuma for the opener before scoring the third goal five minutes before full-time.
Due to safety concerns and the high stakes surrounding the fixture, the match was moved from Orlando to FNB Stadium, the iconic venue that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.
“We are well prepared, mentally and physically. Of course, we played a few days ago, so now it’s about regeneration,” said Ouaddou at Monday’s press conference.
“On Tuesday, we will go deeper into our tactical analysis. My players are ready. There is a lot of trust, confidence and unity — something that has been with us since the beginning of the season.
“We are really impatient to play these games. These kinds of matches are special — special for the players, special for the coaches and special for the fans.
“It’s one of the biggest classicos in Africa. We are not only talking about this game in South Africa, but across the continent.
“We are really looking forward to it. In a player’s career, it is always important to play in matches like this.
“I’m not saying other games are not important, but those against Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are the ones players are remembered for at the end of their careers.
“We are impatient to play this game.”
