Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Ouaddou calls for mental toughness as club target CAF Champions League glory

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes mental strength will be crucial to his side’s ambitions of conquering Africa, insisting his young squad must learn to handle the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level.

The Buccaneers secured their place in the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after defeating African Stars 4-0 in Johannesburg to complete a convincing 5-0 aggregate victory in the qualifying round.

However, despite their impressive qualification, Ouaddou believes his players must improve mentally if they are to compete with Africa’s leading clubs and mount a serious challenge for the continental title.

The Moroccan-born tactician pointed to the composition of his squad, explaining that Orlando Pirates have one of the youngest teams in the Premier Soccer League, with around 10 new players still adjusting to the demands and expectations of representing one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.

“There’s a lot of pressure,” Ouaddou admitted, highlighting the challenge facing his players as they prepare for the demanding fixtures that await them in the Champions League.

According to the Pirates boss, technical ability and tactical discipline alone will not be sufficient to succeed in Africa’s premier club competition. He believes his players must also develop the mental resilience required to perform consistently when the stakes are high.

“We really have to help them mentally,” he stressed.

Ouaddou explained that the difference between his team’s performances in the first and second halves of matches demonstrates how pressure and emotions can influence players’ decision-making and overall performance.

For the coach, addressing these psychological challenges will be essential to ensuring that his players maintain their concentration, confidence and composure throughout matches, particularly when facing experienced opponents in high-pressure continental encounters.

The Pirates manager also acknowledged that additional professional support could be necessary to accelerate the squad’s mental development.

“Maybe we may need a sports psychologist,” he said, while indicating his willingness to work closely with the players himself to help them overcome the psychological challenges associated with playing for a club of Orlando Pirates’ stature.

The suggestion underlines Ouaddou’s determination to address every aspect of his squad’s development as the South African giants prepare for the group stage.

Orlando Pirates have a proud history in the competition, having lifted the CAF Champions League trophy in 1995. They also reached the semifinals in the 2024/25 campaign, demonstrating their ability to compete among the continent’s elite.

With another opportunity to challenge for the title approaching, Ouaddou will be hoping to build a squad capable of handling the expectations that accompany the club’s continental ambitions.

The qualification victory over African Stars has provided a positive start, but the Pirates coach understands that the challenges will become more demanding against stronger opposition.

For Ouaddou, developing mental toughness could prove just as important as tactical preparation and technical quality as Orlando Pirates seek to translate their potential into success on the African stage.