Ouaddou Welcomes AFCON Break
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou says the enforced break brought by the Africa Cup of Nations has arrived at the perfect time, giving his side a chance to recharge ahead of the second half of the season in January next year.
Pirates closed off 2025 on a high note by winning the Carling Knockout trophy, defeating a spirited Marumo Gallants side in extra time at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
It was Pirates’ second major trophy of the season, having already lifted the MTN8 in September at Mbombela Stadium after beating Stellenbosch FC.
Ouaddou, who took over from the much-loved José Riveiro with relatively little fanfare, has also guided Pirates to the top of the Betway Premiership. They sit on 28 points after 12 matches—two points ahead of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
What strengthens their position even more is that Pirates still have a game in hand as they aim to wrestle the league title away from Sundowns, who have dominated the Premiership for the past eight seasons.
“I think the break has come at the right moment because we have been playing so many games,” said Ouaddou.
“If you consider the CAF Champions League games, the cup games, the PSL games—I cannot even tell you exactly how many matches we’ve played.
“But we definitely played more games than Marumo, more games than many other teams. So, the break comes at the right moment, and it is also an important time for the national team.
“The nation needs our players, the nation needs fit players, and I want to give everything. It is not a holiday for some of them.”
AFCON will see Pirates lose nine players to Bafana Bafana: Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi (who has already signed for Chicago Fire), Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa.
While these players are away, Pirates still have one more match to play—the Carling Cup showdown against the fan-selected side [Carling All Stars] at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Ouaddou is determined to secure a third trophy, even though the match is classified as a friendly.
“Some of them will rest after the last game [Carling Cup final], because we still have that match and we want to win it,” he added.
