Soweto derby: Orlando Pirates embrace favourites tag against Kaizer Chiefs

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side are comfortable carrying the favourites tag into tomorrow’s Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

Ouaddou and Chiefs counterpart Fernando da Cruz appeared relaxed and confident at a media conference at SuperSport Studios in Randburg yesterday. The match kicks off at 3.30pm.

Pirates enter the fixture as reigning league champions, having won the championship last term, and Ouaddou believes that status should be accepted rather than avoided.

“We need to have this positive arrogance,” Ouaddou said. “We have to accept this position of being the favourites because we are the champions, but at the same time we are playing against, for me, the new Chiefs with a new technical team.”

However, the Orlando Pirates manager knows that being considered favourites will not guarantee victory. Since taking charge at the start of last season, Ouaddou has overseen one win and one draw in his two Soweto derbies.

“We must understand that they [Chiefs] have a new coach [in Da Cruz], new energy,” he added.

Da Cruz will take charge of Amakhosi in the derby for the first time since arriving at the club in July. Wearing a black suit, a white shirt and his club’s black-and-gold tie, he also spoke English at a South African press conference for the first time.

The Chiefs coach said the fixture’s importance extends beyond the two clubs.

“It’s the most important game in SA, and I think it [the Soweto derby] is one of the best games in Africa. It divides the country, and I think it’s a good game for SA football … it’s a good moment,” said Da Cruz.

It was also the first time he had appeared in a full suit at a press conference.

“I am good. We’ve worked well as a team this week, and yes, we are confident, but we know it’s a difficult game against a good team, a big team. I congratulate Abde [Ouaddou] for the work he’s done at Pirates.”

Da Cruz later switched back to French, as he usually does, with physical trainer Julien Le Heran translating for him.