Ouaddou Discusses Growing Pressure Before Sundowns Match
Orlando Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed inquiries regarding the timing of his team’s clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, especially following two consecutive defeats and increasing pressure.
The Buccaneers are gearing up to host the Brazilians for the opening leg of the MTN8 semi-final at a full-capacity Orlando Stadium this Saturday (15:00), while the Moroccan coach faces scrutiny over the team’s recent performance under his guidance.
Pirates have recorded two successive losses in the league against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, matching a long-standing club record of losing their first two league games, a predicament not faced since the 2007/08 season. This has left them languishing in 14th position on the league table.
While opinions vary on whether meeting Sundowns is a timely development, especially amid the potential low morale within the Bucs camp, the former Gallants coach remains hopeful about his team’s prospects against Masandawana.
“This is an exciting match for us and our fans; our main objective is to perform well, give our all, and secure a win on Saturday. We acknowledge the challenges ahead, but that is our primary goal,” said Ouaddou.
“Leading such a prestigious club entails its own challenges, but we must harness that positively, aiming to deliver our best for our fans and working to restore joy and victories to the club,” he added.
Despite a challenging beginning to his time at Pirates, Ouaddou has opted to bench a few regulars, including Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thalente Mbatha, and Deano Van Rooyen, making it clear that he values his squad depth and that every player will have the opportunity to contribute in due course.
“Recognizing the squad’s depth and our aspirations is vital. We have gifted players; each one is important to the club, as I have emphasized, and all will have the chance to compete and display their talents,” he stated.
“Integrating many new players is essential, enabling them to showcase their abilities, but indeed, everyone’s input is crucial for our journey ahead this season.”
