Ouaddou chasing Carling history as Pirates face Stellenbosch semi-final

Abdeslam Ouaddou can make Carling Knockout history when Orlando Pirates return to action after the international break.

The Pirates manager has taken his side into the semi-finals, where they will travel to face Stellenbosch FC. The other last-four tie will see Mamelodi Sundowns play Kaizer Chiefs.

The Premier Soccer League’s provisional schedule has placed both matches on 21 or 22 November, the first weekend after the current FIFA dates, which run from 9 to 17 November.

Ouaddou has enjoyed an unbeaten route through the competition since taking charge of Pirates. He guided them to the trophy last season by winning all four of their matches in open play.

Pirates beat Siwelele FC 1-0, Magesi 2-1, Richards Bay FC 1-0 and Marumo 1-0 on their way to the title.

They have continued that form this season, defeating Milford FC 3-0 before overcoming Sekhukhune United 1-0. Those results have given Ouaddou six consecutive Carling Knockout victories without his side needing a penalty shootout.

No coach in the PSL era has achieved the same record in the competition, completing six successive wins without penalties.

Ouaddou needs two more victories

Ouaddou’s record stands out against several previous cup-winning campaigns involving prominent coaches.

Paul Dolezar drew five matches on his way to winning his first Rothmans Cup with Kaizer Chiefs. Ted Dumitru, meanwhile, needed a penalty shootout to eliminate Moroka Swallows before claiming his second title with the Naturena-based club.

Muhsin Ertugral twice required penalties during his run to the 2006 Telkom Knockout title with Ajax Cape Town. The following year, the Turkish coach again needed a shootout on the way to lifting the same trophy with Kaizer Chiefs.

Vladimir Vermezovic also relied on penalties twice during his route to the first of his two Telkom titles at Kaizer Chiefs.

That leaves Ouaddou two open-play victories away from setting a new mark. Winning the semi-final against Stellenbosch FC and then the final would give him an unprecedented run through the competition.

The potential achievement would add to a notable season for the coach, who has also led Orlando Pirates back into the CAF Champions League group stage.