Ouaddou expects stern Milford test as Pirates begin Carling Knockout defence

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expects Milford to provide a difficult test when the Carling Knockout holders begin their title defence on Tuesday.

The sides meet in the first round at Orlando Amstel Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00. Pirates have already beaten Milford this season, winning 2-0 at home in the opening match of the campaign in August.

Ouaddou believes that previous result will have little bearing on their latest meeting and has warned his players not to underestimate their opponents.

“The advantage, the positive point is to play at home but I think it will be a difficult game. If you remember when we played Milford in the first game of the season, I said that we are not going to see many teams beat them,” he said.

“They have shown resilience… they have a lot of confidence. They are a well-coached team, very disciplined and well-organised. They can run as well, so it will not be an easy game.”

Pirates go into the fixture with increased confidence after securing a place in the CAF Champions League group stages.

They completed a 5-0 aggregate victory over Namibian side Africa Stars by winning the second leg of their preliminary-round tie 4-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday. Pirates had won the away leg 1-0 the previous Saturday in Botswana.

The qualification marks a return to the group stages after Pirates were eliminated by Congolese club FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the second preliminary phase in October last year.

“I love to say a Champions League without Pirates, it’s not the same taste. So we come back, happy for the fans, happy for the club. It was one of the targets. Credit has to be given to the boys,” Ouaddou said.

The coach acknowledged that his side had not controlled the first half against Africa Stars as effectively as he wanted, despite scoring twice.

“We know that we had a difficult first half. Even though we two goals, in terms of control, it was not what I was expecting, and after the second half it was much, much better in terms of control.”

Pirates will have little time to recover from the cup match before facing their biggest rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, in the league.

That match will take place at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off at 15:30.