Ouaddou expects explosive MTN8 final as Pirates face Sundowns

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns has all the ingredients for an “explosive” conclusion to Wafa-Wafa at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The match will pit the league champions against the African champions, who were also recently crowned FIFA African-Asian Pacific champions. Ouaddou expects both sides to meet the occasion after strong performances before the international break.

“I think the two teams will come with a good mindset. I think we are in good timing, either for them, or for us. The two teams were doing well before the FIFA break, so yeah it’s what I said,” Ouaddou said.

“Hopefully we’ll have a good game from two strong teams from let’s say the two best teams in the country. If we can add Kaizer Chiefs as well but two strongest teams, two champions teams.

“I think it will be important for us to give a good image to present a good face of Pirates. So, for me the match will be very important for the two teams.”

Pirates are targeting a record fifth consecutive Wafa-Wafa title.

The club had seven players included in the Bafana Bafana squad that returns from Egypt tomorrow, and each of them has played in all three matches since Pitso Mosimane became head coach.

Ouaddou does not expect the players’ return to club football to create confusion over their responsibilities. Instead, he says adapting to different demands is part of a professional player’s development.

“A professional player in his development has to adapt to different demands. If you go to the national team, there is maybe a different demand but at least we can see that the principles stay the same and for us, for the players who are in the national team, you know that they’ve been with us for a while,” the coach added.

“Last season they played more than 30 games and the preparation at the beginning of the season. So, I think it serves the moment to integrate the principles, the game model, the ideas.

“So, for me it’s not really not a problem as long as they know exactly the demand of the coach. How we attack, how we defend and most importantly are the principles in the game. So, I’m not really worried about that.”

Midfielder Sihle Nduli has also resumed training with Pirates, but Ouaddou says he is unlikely to be available for the final.

Nduli remains in the rehabilitation phase as he continues his recovery from injury.