Ouaddou tells Orlando Pirates to adapt to Champions League physical demands

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged his young players to become more competitive in high-pressure matches, while insisting their response must remain within the laws of the game.

Ouaddou was speaking after Pirates were beaten 2-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The defeat ended their hopes of securing a historic fifth consecutive title and highlighted concerns about their ability to cope with the physical intensity of decisive fixtures.

Pirates now face the prospect of CAF Champions League football, where the demands of continental competition will provide another test of the Soweto club’s readiness. Ouaddou believes his squad must adjust quickly when matches become more physical.

“We just need to answer to those physical games, it can happen in the Champions League and, like I said, we have a young team but they need to understand this quickly,” he said.

Similar concerns emerged after a Soweto Derby last season, when a 1-1 draw almost derailed Pirates’ Betway Premiership title challenge. Ouaddou acknowledged that his team must find a stronger response in those situations, but made clear that he was not calling for dangerous play or reckless challenges.

“When I say answer to these games, I mean answer within the rules of the game and play football, not to injure players or break legs of players, that’s not my vision of football,” he added.

The Moroccan coach used his own experience as a defender to explain the difference between competing physically and crossing the line.

“I was a defender, in my 17 years playing football I received one red card and it was for protesting not for killing someone,” he said.

For Pirates, the immediate task is to turn that message into consistent performances when the pressure increases. The club have established a reputation for attacking football, but Ouaddou’s comments underline the need for greater physical resilience, discipline and awareness during matches in which the margins are small.

The defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns has therefore provided another lesson for the coach and his squad. Their progress in the coming weeks will show how quickly they can respond to the demands of continental football and apply those lessons on the CAF Champions League stage.