Ouaddou warns new-look Chiefs will bring fresh challenge to Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Kaizer Chiefs’ new-look technical team could make Saturday’s Soweto Derby a different test, with former colleague Julien Le Heran now part of the Amakhosi set-up.

The match at FNB Stadium comes with Pirates as defending Betway Premiership champions. The Buccaneers have been widely regarded as favourites after an impressive campaign last season, but Ouaddou believes Chiefs’ change in leadership has added a new dimension to the contest.

Le Heran previously worked with Ouaddou at AS Vita Club in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he was the French-Moroccan coach’s Head of Performance. Ouaddou later moved to South Africa to take charge of Marumo Gallants in March 2025.

Speaking at a press conference at SuperSport Studios in Randburg, Ouaddou said Pirates could not rely on their success from last season.

“Look, it’s another game, of course we didn’t lose last season but for me what we have achieved last season is the past, well done to the boys, well done to the club (but) we have to move on because football is moving every time, it’s another season, other targets,” he said.

The former Morocco international accepted that Pirates had to embrace the pressure attached to being champions and favourites, while stressing that status alone would not decide the result.

“Of course we need to have this positive arrogance. We have to accept this position of favorites, because we’re champions and we have to accept it but at the same time we’re playing against, for me new management, new coach. We’re favorites but to be favorites does not mean you are going to win,” Ouaddou added.

He also highlighted the influence of Chiefs’ new coach and the energy that a change in management can bring.

“There’s a new coach (at Chiefs), new energy, new things; Julien (Le Heran) I know him because he was my Head of Performance at Vita Club so I know that he is a very professional guy, they are doing a good job. So it’s up to us to come with a lot of energy try to give good football for the South African country,” said the 47-year-old.

Pirates did not lose to Chiefs last season, but Ouaddou insisted that previous results could not determine Saturday’s outcome. While the defending champions will accept their status as favourites, the coach expects a Chiefs side energised by its new technical structure to provide a fresh challenge in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures.