Orlando Pirates coach dismisses concerns over FNB switch – ‘As long as the grass is green’

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is unfazed about playing away from his team’s traditional home ground.

Pirates will host Mamelodi Sundowns in a top of the table PSL clash at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday evening but the match will not be played at their traditional home of Orlando Stadium but rather the FNB Stadium.

FNB is Kaizer Chiefs home ground but Pirates will have to adopt it, playing there for the first time this season, having won 11 matches at Orlando Stadium.

However, the change of venue does not worry the Pirates coach who feels it will have little impact on the outcome of the match which could decide the destiny of the league title.

Pirates coach not worried by FNB move

“It’s the choice of the club and authorities, I told you that is Clasico, it could be 80,000 to 90,000 people, so in terms of security, it’s normal that it’s in a bigger stadium,” Ouaddou said as per iDiski Times.

“Look it’s an interesting one… for me, a field is a field, as long as the grass is green and respect the norm of FIFA – if we have good pitch, wide pitch, we’re at home everywhere in South Africa. For me it will be fantastic to play such games, in front of these fantastic fans of South Africa.”

The Pirates coach is also impressed that both sets of supporters are looking to make the match a carnival rather than an ill-tempered encounter.

Ouaddou thrilled with fan bahaviour

“Yes, there’s rivalry between the fans but it’s the first time I see peace between the rivalries of fans in the stadium, making jokes, no violence, only joy – it’s a fantastic image, I have never seen anywhere else, it’s a good thing we play in that fantastic stadium,” he added.

“To give the opportunity of lovers of football to attend such a game, the clubs and league did a good choice, but a stadium is a stadium. Our players, it will be a joy for them to play in front of so many people.”

Pirates head into the match enjoying a six-point lead over Sundowns, having accumulated 38 points from 16 matches, with Sundowns on 32 from 15 games.

A win for Ouaddou’s team would give them a huge nine-point lead, making Sundowns’ work more difficult, but the Brazilians could move to within three points with a victory and still with a match in hand.

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