Orlando Pirates News Today: Why Ouaddou was furious, youngsters get a challenge, & more

The latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including why Abdeslam Ouaddou was furious with his players despite win over Marumo Gallants, youngsters challenged to continue pushing for slots, and more.

Pirates news as they break

Why Ouaddou was furious with his players

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was furious with his players despite the 3-0 win over Milford FC in the first round of the Carling Knockout Cup at home in Tuesday.

The defending champions put three first-half goals past the Stallions without a reply to progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament, with Ouaddou saying the only positive from the encounter was the result and the clean sheet.

#ICYMI: Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was furious with his players despite the 3-0 win over Milford FC in the first round of the Carling Knockout Cup at home in Tuesday. https://t.co/tCDIZpPHdF pic.twitter.com/PitoJUrfE9

— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) October 28, 2026

The coach felt some of his players were selfish in areas they could have capitalised on and gotten more goals. The Moroccan tactician emphasised some his players need to show seriousness otherwise the team will not win any silverware this season.

“I think the only positive point is the win. I think I will only retain this victory because I was not happy about how we played. We didn’t have the control. We had a lot of precipitation. We were selfish, a lot of players were selfish. Instead of giving the ball to the teammate to score, and they are not in the bad position, they shoot,” Ouaddou explained.

“A lot of wrong decision making. The positive point is these three goals and clean sheet but to be honest, if we want to dream bigger, when I say dream bigger, it’s to win the Betway [Premeirship], it’s to win the [CAF] Champions League.

“I think if we continue like that, we are going to win nothing, and we have to be honest. I was not happy about the game. The positive point we go to the next stage, but there are a lot of players they need to really to wake up.”

Ouaddou insists youngsters have room for improvement at Bucs

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has identified significant room for improvement for the club’s youngsters.

Pirates are statistically the second-youngest team in the Betway Premiership, behind AmaZulu, with Ouaddou also having to integrate 10 new players into his squad following the latest transfer window.

"There is all the time a margin of progression, but where my staff and I really need to help them is mentally."

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has identified significant room for improvement for the club's youngsters.https://t.co/QiQuBPMUjN pic.twitter.com/Pk4v6MWhLr

— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) October 27, 2026

While the arrivals have added depth and quality to the team, the Moroccan tactician acknowledged that performing for a club of Pirates’ stature comes with a different level of expectation, one that can affect players’ decision-making on the pitch.

“I have one of the youngest teams in the PSL and you see we have 10 new players, it’s not easy to integrate at such a big club like Pirates,” Ouaddou said.

“You can be a good player at other clubs, but when you come here, the factor you have to manage is emotions. There is a lot of pressure, so I think I have good players. Of course, there is all the time a margin of progression, but where my staff and I really need to help them is mentally.

“How can I manage the pressure, these kind of games?”