{
  "id": 12289214,
  "title": "Pirates’ Ouaddou – ‘It is how you handle the pressure’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/pirates-ouaddou-it-is-how-you-handle-the-pressure",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T03:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/pirates-ouaddou-how-handle-pressure/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou emphasized the importance of handling pressure in the upcoming MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates aim to secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title, with their second in a row under Ouaddou's guidance. The Moroccan coach led the Buccaneers to their first Betway Premiership title and finally ended a 14-year wait for the league crown. Both teams have started the season in fine form, and the competition is likely to become a two-horse race. Pirates are slight favorites due to their record in this competition, but Sundowns won eight Premiership titles in a row before Pirates claimed the MTN8 title last season. Ouaddou highlighted the significance of key moments in the game, consistent performance, and resilience. The first 15 minutes of the match are crucial, and maintaining focus is vital, especially in cup finals where few chances are available. Efficiency in the two boxes during the game is essential, requiring organization, discipline, communication, and creativity. Despite both teams being hampered by players on international duty, their squads should be capable of compensating for any injury issues. Ouaddou was uncertain about the availability of winger Mohau Nkota, striker Evidence Makgopa, and midfielder Thalente Mbatha, but they are all in good shape and returning from injuries.",
  "summary": "Both Sundowns and Pirates have started the season in fine form.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ouaddou stresses handling pressure in MTN8 final",
    "Pirates aim for fifth consecutive title, Sundowns seek repeat",
    "Coach focuses on key moments, consistency, and resilience"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Pirates' coach is stressing mental toughness and sharp execution as crucial to their title ambitions, highlighting experience and strategy as key advantages in the high-stakes final against Sundowns.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}