WATCH: How Ouaddou is using Sundowns to motivate Pirates players in title race

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s resolve to wrestle the PSL title from Mamelodi Sundowns is so strong that he is using the champions as motivation for his players.

Pirates and their fans have watched as Sundowns have won the last eight straight league crowns while they are still waiting for their first one since 2012.

The Brazilians have been untouchable in previous seasons but this term, Pirates are giving them a run for their money. Sundowns ended 2025 in an unfamiliar second place on the log with 26 points from 13 matches, while Pirates had 28 and with a game in hand.

Pirates coach using Sundowns as reference

Sundowns have since moved ahead following Monday’s win over Orbit College that saw them take their tally to 29 from 14 games but Pirates are just one behind and with two games in hand.

From a clip posted online, Ouaddou can be seen and heard shouting at his players in training while reminding them that this season, they must end Sundowns’ stranglehold of the coveted prize in South African football.

“This year, we want to go to win,” Ouaddou yells at his players. “This Mamelodi Sundowns that have led for seven years, they are first. We want to go forward,” he adds.

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Seeming not to have been amused by something in training, the Moroccan coach makes it known to his players: “We cannot accept this,” he further shouts while pointing to the mistake.

It shows the level of commitment and attention to detail that Ouaddou is putting in to ensure his team are at the top of the tree by the time the season ends.

The Pirates coach has left fans dreaming of a first league title in 14 years after collecting all the trophies available so far, having led his team to win the MTN8, Carling Knockout as well as the Carling Black Label Cup this season.