Kaizer Chiefs in title race? Ouaddou gives his verdict

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has showered praise on his Kaizer Chiefs counterpart Fernando da Cruz while not ruling the Glamour Boys from the Premier Soccer League title race.

Pirates piled more misery on Chiefs when they secured maximum points and the bragging rights in the Soweto derby on Saturday with Yanela Mbuthuma and Tsepang Moremi scoring either side of Pule Mmodi’s goal for a 2-1 win.

Simphiwe Masilela and Pule Mmodi — Simphiwe Masilela of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs winger Pule Mmodi, Image – Orlando Pirates

That victory sent Pirates 11 points ahead of Chiefs in the title race with both sides having played nine games with Mamelodi Sundowns 12 ahead of Amakhosi, after 10 matches.

Ouaddou lauds Da Cruz

However, Ouaddou has faith in what Da Cruz is doing at Naturena and has called for patience from Chiefs fans as the French coach continues to implement his vision.

Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates with the ball as Kaizer Chiefs' Brandon Petersen closes him down in the Soweto Derby. — Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates with the ball as Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen closes him down in the Soweto Derby. Image: Orlando Pirates

“What I can tell you is that, seeing the game from outside, the technical staff of Kaizer Chiefs are doing a great job,” Ouaddou said as quoted by FARPost.

“We must let them work on implementing their game model. Kaizer Chiefs have a very good team, very good young players.”

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his Kaizer Chiefs counterpart Fernando da Cruz. — Image: Orlando Pirates

Pirates coach makes Chiefs title claim

Ouaddou, who guided Pirates to the league title in his first season at the club in 2025-26, insists Chiefs are still very much in the race even if they have not been consistent so far.

“In my opinion, they’re on the right path,” added the Moroccan coach. “We don’t have to rule them out of the title race. This is a big club with big fans, and this technical team is doing a great job.”

Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs' Wandile Duba during the Soweto Derby. — Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs’ Wandile Duba during the Soweto Derby. Image: Orlando Pirates

Pirates remain unbeaten in the league after securing eight wins from nine games while they handed Chiefs their first defeat of the season.

The Glamour Boys have drawn five games and won three, which has slowed their momentum and seen the club supporters’ confidence in Da Cruz begin to wane.