Ouaddou Sets Sights On Carling Knockout Glory

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is confident that his team can bring home the coveted Carling Knockout Cup trophy as they face off against Marumo Gallants in the final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers will be looking to end their 13-year drought in the competition, having last won it in 2011 when they beat Bidvest Wits 3-1 in the final.

According to Ouaddou, this competition holds a special place in the hearts of the Pirates players and fans.

“I think all the successes of all competitions have their own values,” Ouaddou said.

“But I think this is a very important competition for us because every competition that we’re playing, our target is to win it. We know that it’s a competition, it’s a trophy that the club has been chasing for many years.”

“So, it will be very interesting and enjoyable to start this competition and this game with high ambitions. I think it could be a very wonderful gift for our fans because I heard that the stadium is sold out, and it means the stadium will be fully packed.”

This will be the second time Pirates and Gallants face off this season, with Bahlabane Ba Ntwa having the upper hand after beating the Buccaneers 2-1 earlier this season in the Betway Premiership.

However, Pirates will be looking to make up for lost time, having already won the MTN8 this season when they beat Stellenbosch in September.

The Carling Knockout final will also be the last game of the year for the Buccaneers, as the PSL will be taking a break for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be held in Morocco from this month till January next year.

Nine Pirates players have been included in the Bafana Bafana squad for the tournament, and the Moroccan mentor is proud to see his players dominating the national team.

“We are proud as a club, and I’m proud as a coach to be so represented in the national team,” Ouaddou added.

“I told you before in some press conference that Orlando Pirates is a club that works for the nation.

“We are available to the national team and to the national team coach for collaboration. So, of course, when we see several players, we want to wish them all the best.”

The Pirates players who have been included in the Bafana Bafana squad are Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi (who was recently announced by the MLS team Chicago Fire), Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appolis, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Evidence Makgopa.