No pressure from PSL awards clean sweep - Abdeslam Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shrugged off the notion that his team is under pressure ahead of the new season after completing a clean sweep of accolades during the PSL awards on Monday night.

The Buccaneers collected a total of 10 accolades in various categories after clinching a domestic treble last season, comprising of the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and the Betway Premiership, ending a 14-year drought for a league title in the process.

Relebohile Mofokeng was the biggest winner of the night as he walked away with the Young Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season, and the prestigious PSL Footballer of the Year awards for his exploits in the 2025/26 campaign.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi was named Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament, with Tshepang Moremi securing the MTN8 Last Man Standing, while Cemran Dansin won the Goal of the Season gong for his stunner against Mamelodi Sundowns.

On the other hand, Sipho Chaine retained his Goalkeeper of the Season crown, while Lebone Seema was named Defender of the Season, with Oswin Appollis rewarded with the Midfielder of the Season award.

Now, Ouaddou, who was named Coach of the Season, says there is no added pressure on the Soweto giants ahead of the 2026/27 term, stating that the awards are a testament to the club's ambition and organization.

“No, to be honest I don't think that these awards bring any pressure. I think it shows you how his club is organized, how this club is ambitious, because when I see such players from Pirates winning these awards - the club is giving us the platform to shine and thanks to them and the involvement of the players,” said the Bucs mentor.

The 47-year-old tactician is of the belief that the recognition by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) will only spur his troops to up the ante in the upcoming season, as they look to compete on all fronts, including in the CAF Champions League.

“I always said that it's another motivation to go higher. We have to take these awards and keep moving because we must set ourselves new targets every morning when we wake up,” Ouaddou added.

"We need to set targets in our lives in order to move on because if you don't set targets for yourself I think you go nowhere, you don't know where you're going every morning, you need to have a target.

"And this season for us is to celebrate together about these awards, it means that we did it together with the players, with the different departments of the club - the management, the fans as well. It means that we did a good job, so now we just have to leave this in the memories and to think for the new season that will be very exciting.

Pirates, meanwhile, begin their Betway Premiership title defense with a clash against newly promoted side Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 01 August.

Hlayisani Magoro

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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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