Ouaddou expects stern Milford test as Pirates begin Carling Knockout defence

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Milford will provide a difficult opening challenge when the defending champions begin their Carling Knockout campaign at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday (7pm).

Pirates defeated Milford 2-0 at home in August, in the opening match of the season, but Ouaddou does not expect a repeat of that result to make the first-round tie any easier.

“The advantage, the positive point is to play at home but I think it will be a difficult game. If you remember when we played Milford in the first game of the season, I said that we are not going to see many teams beat them,” Ouaddou said.

The coach praised Milford’s resilience and organisation, warning that the visitors’ physical ability would also make them a threat.

“They have shown resilience… they have a lot of confidence. They are a well-coached team, very disciplined and well-organised. They can run as well, so it will not be an easy game.”

Pirates go into the match with renewed confidence after securing their place in the CAF Champions League group stages. They completed a 5-0 aggregate victory over Namibian side Africa Stars by winning the second leg 4-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday.

The South African club had won the away leg 1-0 the previous Saturday in Botswana.

Pirates were eliminated by Congolese side FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the second preliminary phase of the Champions League in October last year and failed to reach the group stages.

Ouaddou said qualifying this time was an important achievement for the club and its supporters.

“I love to say a Champions League without Pirates, it’s not the same taste. So we come back, happy for the fans, happy for the club. It was one of the targets. Credit has to be given to the boys,” the Sea Robbers mentor said.

Although Pirates scored twice before half-time against Africa Stars, Ouaddou felt their performance improved significantly after the interval.

“We know that we had a difficult first half. Even though we scored two goals, in terms of control, it was not what I was expecting, and after the second half it was much, much better in terms of control.”

Following the Carling Knockout fixture, Pirates will turn their attention to their biggest rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, in the league at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm).