Ouaddou Eyes History as Pirates March Toward League Cup Glory

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Ouaddou Eyes History as Pirates March Toward League Cup Glory
Image - Pirates

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is on the brink of etching his name into club folklore as he leads the Buccaneers into a crucial League Cup semi-final against Richards Bay, with history firmly in his sights.

The Soweto giants are enjoying a rich vein of form, having dispatched Golden Arrows 3-1 away in their most recent league outing on 5 November. That result marked their 27th league win over Arrows in 49 meetings and extended their unbeaten run to nine league games against the Durban side (W7 D2). It also continued a broader streak of five matches unbeaten across all competitions (W4 D1).

Since their 3-0 away defeat to Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League second round first leg, Pirates have gone 17 matches with just one loss (W13 D3), with all three draws coming against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Now, Ouaddou is steering the Sea Robbers into familiar but treacherous waters: the League Cup semi-finals. Pirates last reached this stage in 2018-19, when they were edged out by Baroka. This marks their 15th semi-final appearance in the competition since the PSL era began in 1996-97.

A Shot at Redemption and Rare Silverware

Relebohile Mofokeng Orlando Pirates
Image – Pirates

Despite their stature, Pirates have lifted the League Cup just once in the PSL era — a 3-1 win over Bidvest Wits in 2011-12, during their historic treble-winning season. Since then, they’ve endured heartbreak, finishing as runners-up eight times, more than any other club.

Should Ouaddou guide his side past the semis, Pirates will reach their 7th League Cup final in the PSL era and 10th overall since the competition’s inception in 1982. It would also mark their first League Cup and MTN8 final double in a single season since 2013-14, when they lost both to Platinum Stars under Roger De Sa.

A Semi-Final Hoodoo to Break

Orlando Pirates players in training. Photo Orlano Pirates

Pirates’ semi-final record in the League Cup is mixed: six wins and eight losses, including three consecutive exits between 2014 and 2017. They’ve also struggled in penalty shootouts, losing nine of their 12 in the competition — including their last eight. Their last shootout win came back in 2005-06 against Bloemfontein Celtic.

Notably, Pirates have never won a semi-final shootout, losing both times to Kaizer Chiefs (2009-10 and 2015-16) after goalless draws.

Cup Pedigree Under Ouaddou

Abdeslam Ouaddou Orlando Pirates 1
Image – Pirates

Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Pirates have become a domestic cup force, reaching seven finals across the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. A win in the upcoming semi-final would make it eight domestic finals in three seasons — a remarkable feat.

Ouaddou, who took over earlier this season, is now aiming to become the first Pirates coach since Milutin Sredojevic in 2018-19 to lead the team to a League Cup final. With the MTN8 already secured, a second final would further cement his growing legacy.

Key Contributors and Stats

Mbekezeli Mbokazi Orlando Pirates
  • Scorers in the League Cup this season: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa
  • Clean sheets: Sipho Chaine (1) — second only to Washington Arubi (2)
  • Last six League Cup games in open play: Unbeaten (W3 D3)
  • Last away win in the League Cup: 2-1 vs Kaizer Chiefs in 2018-19 semi-final
  • Last open play defeat in the competition: 1-0 vs SuperSport United in 2016-17 semi-final
<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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