Orlando Pirates vow to bounce back after MTN8 final defeat by Sundowns

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side will respond to their 2-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final, with four competitions still to play for this season.

Pirates missed the chance to secure a historic fifth successive MTN8 title after losing to their domestic rivals at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the disappointment, Ouaddou believes the final offered important lessons and pointed to the return of Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha as one of the positives from the match.

Mbatha featured after recovering from injury, strengthening a Pirates squad that remains involved in the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout and CAF Champions League.

Defending their league title is the club’s main priority, but Ouaddou insists the MTN8 loss will not derail their wider ambitions.

“We are disappointed, of course, not to take this fifth MTN cup, especially for us, for the club, and for our fans. But there was a lot of education in that game for us, because I have quality from players in my side,” Ouaddou said.

He was particularly pleased to see Mbatha return to action after his time on the sidelines.

“I’m very happy about the game of (Thalente) Mbatha after he was injured. He came back, so it’s somebody that can bring more to our team,” he added.

Ouaddou also praised the effort of his players and the quality of a match played with the intensity expected of a major domestic rivalry.

“But the boys gave their best. Congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns. I think the fans watched a good football match with intensity, of course, with the rivalry as well. And we are going to, for sure, bounce back and be ready for the next challenge,” he said.

Pirates have little time to reflect on the defeat, with their next fixture scheduled for Tuesday against TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership. The match will be played at Orlando Amstel Arena, with kick-off at 7.30pm.

The fixture gives Ouaddou an immediate opportunity to restore confidence and guide his players back to winning form as they face a demanding schedule.

Pirates still have domestic cup commitments and continental football ahead, alongside their league campaign. The coach will hope the experience of the MTN8 final helps his squad improve rather than affect their progress.

For the Buccaneers, the defeat ended their pursuit of another MTN8 crown, but their season remains active across four fronts. Ouaddou’s focus is now on ensuring that the team’s response begins against TS Galaxy.