Pirates Target Betway Premiership Defense And CAF Champions League Glory
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdelslam Ouaddou has made his ambitions clear, stating that he aims to defend the Betway Premiership title while mounting a serious challenge for the CAF Champions League trophy.
The Buccaneers ended a 14-year wait for their fifth PSL league crown last season, narrowly edging Mamelodi Sundowns to snap the Brazilians’ eight-year title reign.
While Sundowns went empty-handed domestically, Pirates completed a sweep by capturing the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup. Meanwhile, the African giants went on to conquer the continent, lifting Africa’s ultimate prize: the CAF Champions League title.
Pirates’ four-year reign as MTN8 champions will face a stern test when they visit Sekhukhune United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium for the semi-final first leg on Saturday.
The return leg takes place next weekend at the Orlando Amstel Arena, sandwiched around a midweek league fixture between the two sides.
The grueling schedule will test both squads physically, but Ouaddou remains unbothered by the extra pressure facing the reigning domestic treble winners.
“I think it gives us motivation, and it is one of the interesting motivations when you know that you are being chased,” said Ouaddou.
“People want to beat you. It is good for us for motivation, and more than that, what brings interest to the league is not knowing who is going to win the league at the beginning of the season.
“That is what brings people to the stadium. It is what gives people an interest in watching the game on TV. But if you come and already know who is going to be the champion, it doesn’t make sense.”
Addressing past criticism regarding his confidence, Ouaddou reflected on his arrival at the club.
“That’s why I said to the guys last season, it is not easy because people thought I was arrogant. At the first training session we had in Spain last season, I told them, ‘This season I want to win the league.’
“Many coaches come here and they are cautious: ‘Yeah, but I need players, I need time.’ Sometimes, excuse me, but you need to have balls and say, ‘I want to win the league’ to create interest.
“This season again, we want to win the league. It will not be easy. I’m not saying that we are going to win it, but we are doing everything to go and win the CAF Champions League.
“If you come here and you play small and protect yourself, what are you going to protect yourself from anyway? It means if you lose three games, you will go out, and after four games, you will be sacked.
“So, be ambitious with your players and give them hope.”
In the other MTN8 semi-final tie, Mamelodi Sundowns host Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
