Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has pulled no punches ahead of Wednesday’s massive Betway Premiership title showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.
Labeling the clash an “African Clasico,” Ouaddou revealed that the technical team has been working on a tactical blueprint to stop the defending champions for two weeks. Despite Pirates currently sitting six points clear at the top of the table, the Moroccan tactician emphasized that the pressure remains high.
Inside the Press Conference: Key Takeaways
- The “Sickness” of Wastefulness: Despite thumping Marumo Gallants 3-0 recently, Ouaddou expressed frustration over missed opportunities, calling the team’s inability to kill off games a “sickness.”“When you are playing for such a big club… it becomes crucial that we finish in the last third. It is now becoming a sickness.”
- Two-Week Blueprint: Ouaddou confirmed that planning for Sundowns started long before the Gallants match, focusing on mental and physical preparation to maintain their unbeaten league run.
- Embracing the “Calabash”: The match has been moved to the 90,000-seater FNB Stadium. Ouaddou welcomed the venue switch, stating that the size of the pitch suits his team’s style.“For me, a field is a field… If we have a good and wide pitch, we feel at home everywhere in South Africa.”
- Mental Unity: The coach praised the squad’s “trust and confidence,” noting that unity has been the cornerstone of their title charge this season.
Match Context
Sundowns head into the tie buoyed by securing a CAF Champions League quarter-final spot. With only 16 games played in the season, Pirates are aiming to maintain their breathe-easy lead, while Sundowns look to close the gap.
