Orlando Pirates boss Ouaddou urges ‘clever and smart’ approach for Sekhukhune semi-final

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called for a “clever and smart” approach as the defending champions begin their 2026 MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United on Saturday.

The first leg will take place at the small-pitched Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. The return fixture will decide which side reaches the final of the two-legged competition.

Ouaddou wants Pirates to attack the tie with ambition but is conscious that the opening match, particularly on an unfamiliar surface and away from home, will require discipline and careful game management.

“We want to go there and get a result, with a lot of ambition, but at the same time it is a game that you have to play very cleverly. When you play two games like that, you need to be very smart,” said Ouaddou.

The Moroccan coach, who is a treble winner, also underlined the importance of the MTN8 in the South African football calendar. The tournament involves the top eight teams rather than simply bringing together the league and national cup winners, as is commonly the case with a Super Cup in other countries.

“It’s really a pleasure to play in this competition. Everybody is taking it seriously. It builds consistency early in the season. The beauty of this cup is, usually, we call it the Super Cup where the champion of the league plays the champion of the national cup in every other country.

“In South Africa, though, it’s the top eight teams that fight. We put our title on the line again for eight teams. I think it is fantastic.”

Pirates are attempting to retain the trophy for a fifth consecutive season, having won the MTN8 every year since 2022.

Their pursuit of another title comes while the Buccaneers are also heavily committed to defending their domestic league crown and trying to secure a second continental star in the CAF Champions League. That demanding schedule means Ouaddou’s squad will again be tested on its ability to adapt to different opponents, conditions and competitions.

The dimensions of the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium will be another factor for Pirates to handle in the first meeting with Sekhukhune, who Ouaddou expects to provide a significant challenge.

“Again, it is not easy since we are playing the first game away against a very good side, against Sekhukhune,” said Ouaddou.

“We know it is going to be difficult, especially on the small pitch, but yes, for us, definitely we want to keep this title. We know that we have two games. We just want now to focus on the MTN8 (first leg) and we know we have time to focus on the league. Step-by-step.”

The emphasis from the Pirates coach is therefore on securing a positive result in Polokwane without losing sight of the larger contest. With the semi-final decided over two matches, Ouaddou says his side must balance its desire to take control of the tie with the need to remain tactically intelligent across both legs.