Abdeslam Ouaddou oozes confidence Orlando Pirates will return to winning ways in the Soweto Derby

Resplendent in a sharp black suit and light-blue shirt, Abdeslam Ouaddou projected a calm figure ahead of what will be his biggest test yet in his reign as the coach of Orlando Pirates – the Soweto Derby.

Ouaddou had a smart appearance that ditched his traditional baggy touchline attire  – during the pre-match press conference for the highly sought-after clash with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec – which made him looked composed and assured.

The Sea Robbers’ coach did not even exchange pleasantries with his Chiefs’ counterpart, Cedric Kaze, by shaking his hand before the media engagement. He wore a broad smile, however, when the MC reminded him that Mamelodi Sundowns had toppled Pirates from the top of the Betway Premiership standings.

Given Pirates’ colourful start to the season – including winning a cup double, the MTN8 and Carling Knockout late last year – while they remain neck and neck with Sundowns on 38 points at the top of the log, Ouaddou’s confidence was understandable.

After all, the Moroccan has not been one to crack under pressure since arriving at Pirates. He silenced his detractors by going on a 14-game unbeaten run in the league after losing his first two matches.

That’s why he seemed and sounded almost certain the Soweto Derby will serve as Pirates’ major return to winning ways after their last two setbacks: a defeat to Sundowns and a Nedbank Cup last-16 exit to lower-division side Casric Stars.

“At the beginning of the week, I could see that everyone was ready to play. It will be difficult to make the final list,” Ouaddou noted. “The players are really looking forward to the event. At the start of the week, there’s been high intensity.”

While excitement is clearly sweeping through the Pirates’ camp, Ouaddou has urged his players to enjoy the occasion while sticking to the mandate.

“It’s very important that the players feel secure to deliver their qualities on the pitch,” Ouaddou said. “The worst is when you play the game before.

“If you play the game before in front of 90 000 people, that can turn against you. So, play the game, enjoy it – I think it’s one of the biggest games in Africa, if I consider North African and West African derbies as well. They must enjoy the occasion and not be too emotional.”

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media’s senior football reporter and a panelist on the group’s soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch