Ouaddou embraces favourites tag but warns Pirates of Chiefs threat in Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side must accept the pressure of being favourites for Saturday’s Soweto Derby, but insists their status as Betway Premiership champions will not guarantee victory over Kaizer Chiefs.

The Buccaneers face Chiefs at a sold-out FNB Stadium as they look to continue an impressive run under the Moroccan coach. Pirates can also draw confidence from their achievements last season, although Ouaddou believes those successes have little bearing on the latest meeting between the Soweto rivals.

Speaking at Thursday’s Betway Premiership Soweto Derby press conference in Randburg, Ouaddou said Pirates had to embrace the expectations attached to being league champions while remaining focused on the different demands of the new campaign.

“It’s another game for us, and of course we did not lose last season. The boys and I achieved a lot last season, but what happened last season is all in the past, and we must move on because this is a new season with new targets,” Ouaddou said.

The 26-time South African champions have been regarded as the stronger side going into the fixture, and Ouaddou said there was no reason for Pirates to avoid that label.

He also acknowledged the progress being made at Kaizer Chiefs since the appointment of Fernando Da Cruz. The new coach and his technical team have been working to establish their identity at Naturena, while bringing fresh energy to the club.

Pirates must match Chiefs’ energy

“Ahead of this game, we need to have a positive attitude and arrogance and accept the position that we are in as favourites, because we are the league champions. So, we must accept it.

“But being favourites does not always mean that you are going to win. There is a new coach (Fernando Da Cruz) and technical team that is doing a good job at Kaizer Chiefs, and we see the renewed energy, so it’s up to us to come with a lot of energy as well and to try to display good football for South Africa,” Ouaddou added.

Ouaddou’s comments underline the balance Pirates will need at FNB Stadium: they must carry the responsibility associated with their championship status without assuming that it will decide the outcome.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the derby offers another opportunity to demonstrate the impact of Da Cruz and his technical team. For Pirates, it is a test of whether their strong recent form and last season’s success can be converted into a result against their biggest rivals.

With both clubs preparing for another meeting in one of South Africa’s most prominent football rivalries, Ouaddou says Pirates are ready to shoulder the expectations. They will still have to prove their superiority on the pitch.