Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side is ready to show ambition and fight as they prepare for a massive clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final second leg.
The Buccaneers will travel to Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday, carrying a 1-1 scoreline from the first leg at Orlando Stadium last weekend.
With everything still to play for, Ouaddou has stressed the importance of mentality and commitment as his team looks to book their spot in the final and defend their crown.
Speaking to journalists during a press conference at the PSL headquarters in Parktown on Thursday, the French-Moroccan mentor praised both teams for their first-leg performance.
“A fantastic event again. We had a great game in the first leg. Two important teams on the continent. I think the two teams played fantastic football in the first leg. We finished 1-1 but you know in the cup games sometimes it’s a question of mentality,” he said.
“We want to go to that game with a lot of ambition. I think we have the qualities to go to perform, and we have to be ready for that game. We know it will not be easy because we don’t play at home. But we will try to find the resources to pass through and we have a title to defend. Orlando Pirates were winning this cup, so we will definitely go with a lot of ambition to defend our title. The boys are ready to perform, that’s it.”
Pirates, who had a shaky start to the new campaign, have shown signs of improvement, most recently claiming a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night.
Ouaddou welcomed the progress but underlined that every player in the squad must be ready to contribute when called upon.
Asked about the team’s growth and the supporters’ belief that Pirates are starting to play in his image, the coach responded:
“Look, we have talented players. We have good players. And we are not trying to find a good formula. I told you that we have a big squad and everybody is important for our club. Every player who had a chance to come on the pitch and to play, he needs to give his best for Orlando Pirates, for the badge. And it’s what the guys did yesterday, the guys that had the chance to be on the pitch. I was very happy about the commitment, about the involvement on the pitch. So, the other ones as well, when they get the chance to come, they need to perform for Orlando Pirates.”
Pirates head into Saturday’s encounter knowing that a score draw higher than 1–1 will see them progress on the away goals rule, but Sundowns, who have been dominant on the domestic front, will be just as determined to secure a place in the final.
With both teams evenly matched and the tie delicately poised, football fans can expect another thriller between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
It’s all to play for in the 2nd leg of the MTN8 semifinals. Click below to join the action!
