Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned that his team still has plenty of work to do despite their impressive run of results ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
The Buccaneers head into the eagerly anticipated encounter with confidence after suffering just one defeat in 17 matches across all competitions.
However, Ouaddou is refusing to allow his players to become complacent, insisting that there are areas of their game that must be improved before they take on their biggest rivals.
The Moroccan coach will be preparing for his third Soweto Derby since taking charge of Pirates, having enjoyed a promising start to his rivalry with Amakhosi.
His first meeting with Chiefs ended in a convincing 3-0 victory for the Buccaneers, while the subsequent encounter produced a 1-1 draw.
Ouaddou has also enjoyed considerable success during his time at the club, guiding Pirates to a treble last season and helping them secure qualification for the CAF Champions League group stages.
Despite these achievements, the coach knows that facing Kaizer Chiefs presents an entirely different challenge.
Ouaddou Wants Immediate Improvements Before Facing Chiefs
Speaking after Pirates’ impressive 3-0 victory over Milford FC, Ouaddou explained that his technical team would immediately begin analysing their next opponents.
The coach revealed that the preparation would involve identifying Chiefs’ weaknesses while also examining areas where his own players need to improve.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday) we make analysis. We show the things that we did well and the things that we can improve. And we need to improve them quickly,” Ouaddou said.
He further emphasised that football does not give teams unlimited time to correct their mistakes.
“We don’t have time in football. If I’m waiting until December to improve these things, maybe it’s too late,” he added.
His comments suggest that the Pirates coach is approaching the derby with maximum seriousness, despite his team’s impressive recent form.
Orlando Pirates Target Second Soweto Derby Victory Under Ouaddou
The Buccaneers will be determined to secure another victory over their Soweto rivals and strengthen their position in the Betway Premiership title race.
A win would potentially take Pirates to the summit of the league standings, depending on other results.
However, the stakes are equally high for Kaizer Chiefs, who will be eager to upset their rivals and claim bragging rights.
Pirates also know that dropping points could give title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns an opportunity to strengthen their position in the championship race.
With both teams having plenty to play for, the encounter promises to be another fiercely contested chapter in one of South African football’s biggest rivalries.
Can Kaizer Chiefs Stop Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates?
Ouaddou has already demonstrated that he understands the significance of the Soweto Derby, but his biggest challenge will be ensuring that his players deliver when it matters most.
Pirates may arrive as favourites based on their recent results, but Chiefs will be determined to spoil their opponents’ ambitions.
The Buccaneers have the form, confidence and recent derby success behind them. However, the outcome will ultimately depend on which team handles the pressure and takes its chances.
Who will emerge victorious in the Soweto Derby? Will Ouaddou guide Orlando Pirates to another victory over Kaizer Chiefs, or can Amakhosi pull off a major upset? Share your prediction in the comments.
