Pirates’ Ouaddou ready for ‘exciting’ MTN8 date with Sundowns – vows to deliver: It’s just the beginning

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is anticipating an entertaining clash on Saturday against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 that will be staged at the Orlando Stadium.

Masandawana advanced following their triumph over Richards Bay, while the defending champions got past Polokwane City. 

This will be a massive game for the former Morocco international, who has suffered back-to-back Premier Soccer League losses against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, respectively. The Buccaneers can't afford another loss, explaining why Ouaddou comes into the match under massive pressure.

Bucs have to get a positive result this weekend to stand a chance of making the final, where they will play either Stellenbosch or Sekhukhune United.

‘You tell me about pressure?'

“It’s a very exciting moment for the players and the fans as well. Two of the biggest teams, not only in SA but on the continent, will play, so we’re excited to play this game, and we hope to give a good game, a good show for all supporters in South Africa,” the tactician told the media in a presser.

“You tell me about pressure? Pressure is always there when you train such a big club; the pressure is everywhere, and we have to transform it into positive pressure to give the best for our fans and for the club to change things, to bring back happiness and victories.”

Ouaddou further justified the recent changes in the team that have seen Thalente Mbatha, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Deano van Rooyen, and other stars starting from the bench or being overlooked altogether. 

“We have a talented squad, a big squad, and everybody is important to the club and everybody will get the possibility to compete and show what they’re able to give for the club. We have a lot of new players, of course, our duty is to integrate them into the team. What we can promise our fans is that we’re going to bounce back and we’re going to sweat on our shirt to try to represent the badge very well, in the right way, to bring them happiness. It’s only the beginning,” he concluded.