Orlando Pirates boss Ouaddou welcomes pressure before MTN8 semi-final

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the pressure of being the team everyone wants to beat is motivating his squad as they begin their defence of the MTN8 against Sekhukhune United.

Pirates face Sekhukhune in the first leg of their semi-final at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday (15:00), with Ouaddou insisting his players must embrace the expectations that come with last season’s domestic success.

The Soweto club are defending champions of both the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup, while also attempting to reclaim the Betway Premiership title.

That combination of status and ambition places Pirates in an unfamiliar position in recent years. Their character will be tested as they seek to start the campaign at full intensity and prove that last season’s trophy haul was not a one-off.

Ouaddou was critical of the way some of his international players returned from duty with Bafana Bafana at the World Cup last month. The Moroccan coach said they had not yet fully switched from a national-team “tournament mood” back to the demands of club football.

His remarks frustrated some supporters, but Ouaddou responded by saying people “must allow him to do his job.”

The coach’s concerns were followed by a convincing display from Pirates, who beat Chippa United 3-0 in their most recent league match to move to the top of the log.

Pirates have not completely convinced everyone, however. Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana said his club remained the team to beat in South African football, despite losing the league title last season.

Ouaddou said such comments did not bother him and instead provided further incentive for his squad. He believes Pirates have the quality and confidence to challenge for the national title.

“It gives us motivation. An intrinsic motivation, especially when you know that you are in place where people want to beat you,” said Ouaddou, speaking at the MTN8 headquarters on Thursday afternoon.

“But more than that, what brings interest in the league is not knowing who’s going to win it at the end of the season. That’s what brings people to the stadium.

“I said to the guys last season: it won’t be easy. People thought I was arrogant when I said at the first training session that we are going to win the league. I know many coaches, come here and make excuses: ‘I need time and players.’ But sometimes, you need bs to say that ‘I am coming here to win the league’. You need interest.

“It won’t be easy. But we will do everything to win the league, and the Champions League. If you come here, and play small, what are you protecting? If you lose three or four games, you’ll go out. Be ambitious with your players, and give them hope.”

Pirates are seeking to extend their run of dominance in domestic cup football by claiming a record-extending fifth trophy in a row.

Ouaddou, though, warned that previous achievements would have no bearing on the new campaign. He said the team had to focus on the work still required rather than rely on last season’s success.

“Although we did well last season, every season is different,” Ouaddou said. “I am not living in the past, but in the present … It’s a new season. There are a lot of expectations.

“I have already said to my players, we had a chance to put on the suit, the shirt and tie and look beautiful. Now, we have to put on the overalls, and work and try to achieve our targets. We have a lot, including the MTN8.

“It’s one of the best competitions on the continent. Like I said, it’s well organised, with a lot of interest around the competitions. Everyone talks about it around the continent. It won’t be easy because people chase you down, and want to win.”

Pirates began their cup defence positively and will now aim to carry that momentum into the semi-final first leg in Polokwane.

Although pleased with the results, Ouaddou said his team still needed to control matches more effectively. He wants Pirates to dominate possession, create goals and maintain their defensive discipline.

“I still think we must have more control,” he said. “Of course we are winning, but I am not satisfied until we dominate the game the way I want – controlling possession and scoring goals. I love clean sheets and scoring goals.”