“We Are Cruising, But…”: Ouaddou Fires Warning Shot Ahead Of Sundowns MTN8 Final
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has described his side as “cruising” but warned that their upcoming MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns will provide their first major test of the season.
Pirates booked their place in the final after beating Sekhukhune United over two legs, securing a fifth consecutive appearance in the MTN8 final.
They will now face Sundowns in what promises to be a highly anticipated clash on 10 October, although the venue is yet to be announced.
Speaking after Pirates’ impressive 4-0 Betway Premiership victory over Kruger United on Tuesday, Ouaddou acknowledged the challenge ahead, admitting that the final against Sundowns will be a stern test of their progress.
“I think we are cruising well, but it is only the beginning of the season,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.
“The boys are doing well. We are following the momentum, the tempo. Many important games are coming, and the big test is the MTN8 final [against Sundowns]. It will be a really good game. We expect a lot of South African football lovers to come and watch that game. It will be the first test.”
Pirates will now shift their focus to the CAF Champions League qualifying rounds as they look to make progress on the continental stage.
They will face La Cure Sylvester in the first leg on Sunday in Mauritius, with Ouaddou making it clear that the Champions League is one of the club’s biggest targets this season.
“Now we are going to rest the boys; we have the Champions League that we must focus on,” Ouaddou said.
“It’s very important to us, the most important target for us this season, knowing we completely failed in this competition last season. This season, it is a big target for us.”
