Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Ouaddou embraces favourites tag ahead of Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged his players to embrace the pressure of being favourites ahead of Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, insisting that their status as reigning champions comes with high expectations.

The Buccaneers will face their fierce rivals at FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 CAT, in one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar.

Both sides head into the highly anticipated encounter on the back of convincing 3-0 victories in the Carling Knockout Cup, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle.

Speaking at Thursday’s official Soweto Derby press conference, Ouaddou acknowledged that Orlando Pirates must accept the expectations surrounding them but stressed that their previous success against Chiefs would count for nothing when the two sides meet.

The Moroccan tactician, who maintained an unbeaten record against Kaizer Chiefs last season, insisted that his team must focus on the present campaign rather than dwell on past achievements.

“It is another game. We didn’t lose last season [against Chiefs], but for me, what we achieved last season is in the past,” Ouaddou stated.

“Well done to the boys, but we have to move on because football is always moving. It is a new season with new targets, and we have to plan properly for Chiefs. We need to have that positive arrogance.”

Ouaddou believes the Buccaneers should not shy away from the favourites tag, particularly given their status as defending champions, but warned that they must approach the derby with the right mentality.

“We have to accept this position of being favourites because we are the champions. We have to embrace it. But at the same time, we are playing against a team with a new coach,” he added.

Despite expressing confidence in his team’s ability, the Pirates boss cautioned against complacency, pointing to the changes at Kaizer Chiefs under new coach Fernando Da Cruz.

He believes the technical changes at Amakhosi have brought fresh energy and ideas, making Saturday’s encounter a challenging test for the defending champions.

“Yes, we are the favourites—clear favourites—but being favourites does not guarantee you a win,” Ouaddou cautioned.

“Chiefs have a new coach, new energy, and new ideas, and they are doing a good job. So it is up to us to come with a lot of energy, execute our plan, and deliver a good game of football for the South African fans.”

Orlando Pirates will enter the derby in strong league form, sitting second in the Betway Premiership with 22 points from eight matches after recording seven wins and one draw.

Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, occupy fifth position with 14 points, and will be eager to close the gap on their rivals with a positive result.

With both teams enjoying momentum following their Carling Knockout Cup victories, Saturday’s showdown promises to be another intense chapter in the historic Soweto Derby rivalry.