Ouaddou says Pirates hold psychological edge over Sundowns in MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou admits his side’s record of winning the past four MTN8 finals could give them a psychological advantage against Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s decider at Moses Mabhida Stadium (6pm).

Pirates are seeking a fifth successive MTN8 title, but Ouaddou insists their previous success will count for little unless they show the character required to win a cup final.

“It’s a different game, different era. You have to prepare for it with a lot of ambition and seriousness. These things [referring to winning the last four editions of the MTN8] can help mentally, but the reality will be the match itself and how we attack the match,” Ouaddou told a press conference at Rand Stadium yesterday.

The coach said the final would demand more than a carefully prepared tactical plan, stressing the importance of determination and mental strength in a one-off match.

“I think it can help us psychologically, but at the end of the day it’s two teams 11v11, so you need fighting spirit. Winning a cup final requires more than tactics … sometimes you have to go a little bit deeper and play with a strong heart. There’s a big difference between a cup game and a league game.”

Pirates manage international absences

Pirates have spent much of their preparation without 12 key players, who were away representing their countries or South Africa during the recent international break.

Deon Hotto was with Namibia, while Ghampani Lungu was on duty for Zambia. Sipho Chaine, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Yanela Mbuthuma were part of the Bafana Bafana squad during the Fifa break, which only concludes today.

Camran Dansin, Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Selepe were away with the SA Under-23 side.

Of the 12 players, only Lungu attended training yesterday. The Bafana Bafana players are expected to return to training tomorrow, while Hotto and those who were with the Under-23 team are believed to be returning today.

Despite the disruption, Ouaddou suggested the lengthy absences had not significantly undermined Pirates’ preparations for their meeting with Sundowns.

“As usual, we are preparing for this game with a lot of videos of the opponent to fully understand their strengths and weaknesses to make sure everyone knows how we should play on the day,” the Pirates mentor stated.

“We’ve had around two weeks to prepare for this game. Of course, we miss some of our international players like many other teams, but at least the rhythm and focus have been top-notch.”