Orlando Pirates News Today: Boost for Bucs ahead of Soweto derby, ‘allow showboating,’ & more

Published on by

Orlando Pirates News Today: Boost for Bucs ahead of Soweto derby, ‘allow showboating,’ & more

The latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including how Bucs are preparing for the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, massive boost for the club, and more.

Pirates latest news as they break

How Bucs are preparing for Soweto derby

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed how the Buccaneers will begin their preparations for Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, with the coach emphasising the need to identify areas for improvement and address them quickly.

The Buccaneers head into the eagerly anticipated encounter after securing a 3-0 victory over Milford FC in the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday evening, having also beaten African Stars 4-0 on Friday to qualify for the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

With two important matches played within a short period, Ouaddou acknowledged the need for his technical team to analyse the performances and ensure the players continue to improve, with little time available before their next assignment.

The Pirates coach confirmed that Wednesday would be dedicated to analysing the team’s performance, identifying what went well and highlighting the areas that require attention ahead of the Chiefs clash.

“[On Wednesday) we make analysis. We show the things that we did well and the things that we can improve. And we need to improve them quickly,” Ouaddou said.

“We don’t have time in football. If I’m waiting until December to improve these things, maybe it’s too late,” he added.

Ethan Chislett and Kamogelo Sebelebele during the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates
Ethan Chislett and Kamogelo Sebelebele during the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Image: Orlando Pirates

Ouaddou believes that respect for the badge, the shirt and the club must remain central to the team’s approach, particularly when competing at the highest level.

“But for me, what is important is the behaviour. The behaviour, the values are the foundation of all projects,” he explained.

“If we don’t have values, pride is very important. Respect – Respect the badge. Respect the shirt. Respect the club. Huge club in Africa. If we don’t have this pride, how can you compete at a high level?”

Boost for Pirates ahead of Soweto derby

Orlando Pirates are expected to have Simphiwe Masilela available for Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, with the young attacking midfielder having been rested for the Buccaneers’ Carling Knockout Cup clash against Milford FC.

Pirates booked their place in the quarter-finals with a convincing 3-0 victory over Milford on Tuesday evening, but attention has now shifted to the Betway Premiership, where they face their traditional rivals this weekend.

Chiefs will also head into the eagerly anticipated encounter on the back of a 3-0 cup victory, having defeated TS Galaxy on the same evening.

Masilela’s absence from the Pirates squad against Milford raised questions among some supporters, particularly given his recent performances for the Soweto giants.

However, news coming out of the club is that the 22-year-old was being rested, with the expectation that he will be available for selection ahead of the derby.

Simphiwe Masilela
Simphiwe Masilela of Orlando Pirates in action against Red Arrows, Image – Orlando Pirates

There was also a disciplinary consideration behind the decision, with Masilela sitting on three yellow cards in domestic competitions, leaving him one booking away from a suspension.

His expected return would provide a boost for the Buccaneers as they turn their attention to one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar.  

Showboating should be allowed

Former Orlando Pirates coach Rodger De Sa has called for showboating to be given a platform in the upcoming Soweto Derby between his former team and old foes Kaizer Chiefs.

The fierce rivalry between the two giants has helped define South African football for the better part of the last five decades.

“In the derby, I didn’t have to motivate my Pirates players. I only did it against the smaller teams.” De Sa tells KickOff.

“I played a Soweto Derby myself. A Swallows v Pirates match was massive in my time. You only do showboating if you are winning, and you are winning convincingly. There’s a time and a place for it.

“There’s always room for a little bit of spice in the Soweto Derby, it excites the crowd and motivates everybody. It enlightens the game, and with due respect, it is part of the game in South Africa. You’ve got to allow that kind of signature to our home.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates
Image – SABC

“So, showboating should be allowed on Saturday, but there’s a time and a place for showboating I must say,” he concluded.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

  • Football Odds
  • Sports Journalism
  • Football

Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

You May Also Like