Pirates Aim for Historic Fourth Straight MTN8 Title
Orlando Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is looking forward to leading the Buccaneers against Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of the MTN8 semifinal at Lucas Moripe Stadium this Saturday.
The Buccaneers aim to defend their title and achieve four straight wins in the competition, a remarkable feat that would affirm their dominance in this arena.
“It’s a remarkable moment for any coach to be involved in such a match, especially in front of such dedicated fans and against one of Africa’s top clubs,” Ouaddou said, highlighting the importance of this encounter between two of South Africa’s premier teams.
“When two leading clubs face off, it’s a pivotal moment for any coach. We’re determined to persevere and secure a place in the final.”
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Orlando Stadium last week, both teams feel the pressure as they compete for the opportunity to advance to the final.
The Moroccan coach acknowledged the challenging aggregate score, saying, “The aggregate score presents difficulties for both teams, requiring a clever and strategic approach to the match. It will be fascinating to see how each team navigates this.”
When asked about his game plan, the former Marumo Gallants coach indicated he wasn’t ready to reveal his strategy but guaranteed that the match would be thrilling for both sides.
Regarding the title defense, Ouaddou conveyed strong determination, stating, “If we make it to the final, our goal will be to win the title. This is our title, as the club claimed it last year, and we need to uphold it.”
The Buccaneers have a rich history in this competition, having defeated Sundowns in the semifinals in 2022 and again in the finals in 2023.
Although they did not face Sundowns in this tournament last year, this semifinal encounter promises to be an exciting clash.
Under Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, the Buccaneers have celebrated victory in the MTN8 over the past three seasons, and now they are poised for a fourth win under Ouaddou’s leadership.
