Ouaddou warns Pirates of ‘most difficult’ Sekhukhune test

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expects their Carling Knockout quarter-final against Sekhukhune United to be one of the toughest matches of the season.

The sides meet again at Orlando Amstel Arena this weekend, with Pirates having defeated Sekhukhune three times this year. Their victories came in both legs of the MTN8 and in the league.

Pirates go into the tie after a morale-boosting Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs last week, while Sekhukhune were beaten by Milford. However, Ouaddou believes their opponents could respond strongly and cause an upset.

“It’s an important fixture but we have an advantage to play at home, the 12th man will give us power and energy, we’re happy with that,” he said.

Ouaddou said preparations began immediately after the derby and warned his players not to underestimate a team coming off a damaging defeat.

“The game? We prepared straight after the Derby, I spoke to the players, it will be one of the most difficult games. We have to be careful against a team who has been hurt… against a coach that is in charge now…”

He also recalled the difficulties Pirates experienced against the coach during their meeting with Richards Bay last season.

“Before I don’t think he never had full control for his ideas, against Richards Bay last season, we had many problems [against him].”

Pirates must produce one of their best performances to progress, according to Ouaddou, whose side are defending their Carling Knockout title.

“We need to be in our highest form to win this game, we are defending our title but it’s a very tough opponent.”

The quarter-final is scheduled to kick off at 15h00 on Saturday afternoon at eSgodini.