Ouaddou urges Betway Premiership rivals to beware of fearless Milford

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned Betway Premiership clubs that newly promoted Milford could prove a difficult opponent despite opening the 2026/27 season with a 2-0 defeat by the champions.

Pirates began their title defence with victory over the KwaZulu-Natal side at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, with Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi scoring the goals that secured all three points for the Buccaneers.

Although the result reflected Pirates’ control of the match, Ouaddou said Milford’s willingness to attack and play through their opponents had made a positive impression. The Pirates manager believes that approach could trouble a number of teams during the campaign.

Milford did not create many clear problems for the defending champions, but Ouaddou felt their most threatening moments came when Pirates made mistakes rather than through sustained pressure from the visitors.

He also praised the newcomers for showing confidence in possession and attempting to find combinations between the lines, rather than abandoning their playing style against the reigning champions.

“First of all, we have to congratulate them for their promotion to the [top-flight],” said Ouaddou.

“If they are in the top-flight, it means they worked hard for that. They deserve it, I think you can see that they are a brave team.

“They try to play some nice football, yes, I told you that today [Saturday], they were not so dangerous for us. Every time they were dangerous, it’s when we made mistakes.

“They have some good elements, they are brave to play between the lines, to find some combinations. I think they will bother a lot of teams in the league.”

The result gave Pirates a winning start to their defence of the Betway Premiership title, while Milford were left to take encouragement from a performance that earned recognition from the opposing manager despite the final score.

Ouaddou’s comments suggest the champions regarded the fixture as more competitive than the scoreline alone indicated. Pirates ultimately had enough control to keep Milford from turning their attacking intent into goals, while Appollis and Moremi provided the decisive moments.

For Milford, the match represented their first appearance in the top flight after earning promotion. Their approach at Orlando Amstel Arena drew praise from Ouaddou, who said the side’s bravery and ability to combine in advanced areas could make them an uncomfortable opponent for clubs across the division.

The Pirates coach’s assessment also served as a warning to the rest of the league: Milford may have lost their opening fixture, but their willingness to play attractive football could allow them to challenge more established Betway Premiership sides as the season progresses.