‘We’re not in the circus’ – Abdeslam Ouaddou explains Orlando Pirates selection call

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained his approach to team selection as he balances squad fitness with the club’s demand for success in the MTN8.

The Buccaneers edged Durban City 2-1 after extra time at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday to reach the MTN8 semi-finals, with Ghampani Lungu scoring the decisive goal in the 120th minute.

Pirates are chasing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, but Ouaddou faces the challenge of managing a squad that has undergone significant changes during the off-season.

Several players still need minutes to build match fitness and adapt to the demands of competitive football, but the Moroccan coach insists that will not come at the expense of results.

Ouaddou pointed to the pressure he experienced at the beginning of his first season in charge, when Pirates suffered consecutive defeats.

“We’re not in the circus, we have a professional ecosystem, there is a lot of expectation. If you want to remind you about my first two games last season, you think I was happy to have eight bodyguards around me?” he said.

Gamphani Lungu is the hero in Orlando as he scores a scorcher to win it 🔥

Pirates book their spot in the semi-finals of the competition.#SSDiski | #MTN8 pic.twitter.com/9671JnO1dL

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 8, 2026

That experience has shaped his approach this season, with Ouaddou making it clear that he intends to select the players he believes give Pirates the best chance of winning.

“I want to win, of course I’m gonna play the strongest team because the fans want to win this competition, the club want to win it as well and I want to win it as well and it won’t be easy.”

The Pirates coach has also rejected the idea that players will be handed opportunities simply because they need game time.

With competition for places increasing, he believes performances in training and during preparation must determine who starts.

“I’m always going to play the strongest team and the people who deserve to start will show me at training and in the preparation. I don’t give people flowers (favours) because when we lose three games, who’s head (is) on the block?”

Ouaddou’s stance comes as Pirates prepare for another demanding campaign across multiple fronts.

The Buccaneers will defend their Betway Premiership crown while also competing in the CAF Champions League, making squad management crucial over the course of the season.

For now, however, the MTN8 remains an immediate priority.

Pirates have already navigated a difficult test against Durban City and will now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where Ouaddou will again be expected to find the balance between maintaining momentum, managing his squad and putting out a team capable of keeping their title defence alive.