Orlando Pirates News Today: Global Soweto Derby interest wows Ouaddou, why Chiefs should be worried & more

The latest news about Orlando Pirates in the last 24 hours, including Abdeslam Ouaddou’s delight at global interest in the Soweto Derby and his warning to rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

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Ouaadou surprised by global interest in Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed his delight at how immense the Soweto Derby is, revealing that he has even received calls from Europe and the United States with people asking about the game.

“The players have the history and legacy in mind, and it is one of the best games in Africa, not only in South Africa. This game is watched by people all over Africa and Europe,” Ouaddou said as per iDiski Times.

“As I come from France, I can tell you that many people are asking about the game, and similarly, in England, where I played, many people are eager to watch it.

“I’ve even received calls from the USA. So, a lot of people are doing a good job preparing for the derby, and for us, it will be very important to prepare as well.”

Orlando Pirates boss issuing warning to Kaizer Chiefs?

ABDESLAM OUADDOU

Everyone is energetic.

My physio room is empty.

It's the first time seeing every player available to play

All of them are no longer complaining about injuries

They want to be picked in this weekend Soweto Derby 😃😃#OrlandoPirates #UpTheBucs #OnceAlways… pic.twitter.com/rWd9xgAfAB

— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) April 23, 2026

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has sent a firm message to Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the Soweto Derby, revealing that he has a fully fit squad to choose from with his only headache being how to select the starting XI.

“It is the first time that I have seen the physio room empty so it means that everybody is ready to play,” Ouaddou told the media on Thursday.

“It will be difficult to make some tough decisions but we have to do it and what I am expecting are players who are willing to give their best on the pitch without any pressure.

“It is very important because if you are playing in front of 90,000 people is not a normal game.”

‘They get stressed’ – Pirates fans advised against booing

Orlando Pirates fans have been urged to rally behind the team during the upcoming Soweto Derby and avoid booing the players when things do not go right as it affects them mentally.

“Our fans are always with us, so we’re expecting the same during that game. And I know that the stadium will be packed and to be 100% with us because you know, for my players, when they feel the support, when they feel the love of our supporters, our fans, you know, they can feel it on the pitch, and they feel free to compete,” said Pirates coach Ouaddou.

“But on the other hand, when they feel pressure, and they, for example, they boo them, you know, we are human beings, you know, we have a brain, we have a mind, you know, they get stressed, so we definitely need them to reach our target.