Abdeslam Ouaddou makes bullish declaration about Pirates objectives

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made a bullish declaration about his team's objectives in the 2026/27 campaign after guiding the Buccaneers to a treble last season.

The 47-year-old tactician clinched the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and the elusive Betway Premiership, ending the club's 14-year drought for a league title in his first term in charge.

Having entered the current season as the team to beat, Ouaddou says his troops can only draw motivation from having a target on their back as they look to defend their crowns.

“It's one of the intrinsic motivations when you know that you're being chased and people want to beat you. I think first of all it's good for us for the motivation,” said the Pirates boss.

"But more than that what's really interesting in the league is not knowing who's going to win the league at the beginning of the season, and it's what brings people to the stadiums and it's what gives interest for people to watch the games on the TV.

"But if you come and already you know who's going to be champions, it doesn't make sense, it's the reason why I said to the guys last season, it's not easy because people think that I was arrogant, the first training session in Spain I told them this season we need to win the league.

The former Morocco international went on to reveal Pirates' mandate this term, bullishly stating that they want to retain the Betway Premiership and lift the coveted CAF Champions League trophy.

“I know many coaches come here and they're cautious, they say I need players or I need time, but sometimes you need b*lls to say I'm coming here and I want to win the league, so it creates interest,” Ouaddou added.

"And this season again, we want to win the league. It will not be easy, I'm not saying that we're going to win it, but we're doing everything to win it and we're doing everything to go to win the Champions League.

"So, if you come here and you play small and you protect yourself, what are you going to protect anyway? If you lose three games you go out or four games you've been sacked, so be ambitious with your players and give them hope.

Pirates, meanwhile, return to action with the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final clash against Sekhukhune United at Old Peter Mokaba on Saturday afternoon (15h00).

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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