Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou emphasises smart tactics for MTN8 clash

Orlando Pirates' coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is urging his team to employ smart tactics as they prepare for their MTN8 two-legged semi-final against Sekhukhune United. The first leg of the match is scheduled to take place on Saturday at 3 pm at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, which is a small pitch. Ouaddou emphasized that while the team wants to go there with ambition, they must approach the game with a clever strategy.

He stated, "When you play two games like that, you need to be very smart." Ouaddou expressed his pleasure in participating in this competition, noting that it builds consistency early in the season. He added, "The beauty of this cup is, usually, we call it the Super Cup where the champion of the league plays the champion of the national cup in every other country.

In South Africa, though, it's the top eight teams that fight. We put our title on the line again for eight teams. I think it is fantastic." For Pirates, who have won the title consecutively since 2022, the ability to adjust will be crucial as they defend their domestic league title and chase a second continental star in the CAF Champions League.

Ouaddou acknowledged that the match will be challenging, especially on the small pitch, and that the team is focused on the MTN8 first leg while keeping the league in mind. "We know it is going to be difficult, especially on the small pitch, but yes, for us, definitely we want to keep this title," Ouaddou said.