Pirates’ Soweto derby win gives Champions League boost, says Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his side’s intense 2-1 Soweto derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs provided an ideal rehearsal for the demands of the CAF Champions League group stage.

The Buccaneers were made to work for their win at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday, with Kaizer Chiefs posing a significant threat, particularly before half-time. Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi scored the goals that secured victory for Pirates.

Ouaddou said the atmosphere, quality and intensity of the derby closely reflected what his team could expect in continental competition. Pirates will face Simba SC, RS Berkane and Colombe Sportive in the CAF Champions League group stage.

“If I have to rate this game, yes, it was a Champions League game,” Ouaddou said at his post-match press conference. “You see the intensity, the magnitude, and the fans; it was a Champions League game, let’s say it like that.

“Kaizer Chiefs had the first half to kill the game, and after that, we had our second half.”

The Pirates coach accepted that Chiefs had controlled the opening period and had opportunities to settle the match in their favour. However, tactical adjustments helped his team respond after the break and produce a much stronger second-half performance.

The victory was particularly welcome for Pirates after they recently lost the MTN8 final to Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Well done for the boys, well done for the fans, they deserve it, and I’m a happy coach,” Ouaddou said.

He also commended the organisers and praised the conduct of supporters from both clubs, highlighting the significance of the occasion for South African football.

“Well done to the organisers. I’m very proud when I see such an event in SA. It’s really an example and a model that many African countries must follow.

“What a derby! There is no fighting, and everybody’s watching the game together. It’s the first time I’ve seen this in my life. Of course there is rivalry, but the fans are watching together. It’s just fantastic and unique to SA.”

Ouaddou, who turned 48 on Sunday, reserved praise for Kaizer Chiefs manager Fernando Da Cruz and his technical staff. He believes the work being carried out at Naturena is producing progress and said Chiefs should not yet be dismissed as title contenders.

“What I can tell you is that, seeing the game from outside, the technical staff of Kaizer Chiefs are doing a great job.

“We must let them work on implementing their game model. Kaizer Chiefs have a very good team and very good young players. In my opinion, they’re on the right path. We don’t have to rule them out of the title race. This is a big club with big fans.”