{
  "id": 16435959,
  "title": "‘We may need a psychologist’: Ouaddou maps out mental blueprint for Orlando Pirates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/we-may-need-a-psychologist-ouaddou-maps-out-mental-blueprint-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T05:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/africa/2026-10-25-we-may-need-a-psychologist-ouaddou-maps-out-mental-blueprint-for-orlando-pirates/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has emphasized the importance of mental strength in the Buccaneers' pursuit of the CAF Champions League title. Although the team has secured a spot in the group stage with a 4-0 aggregate win over African Stars, Ouaddou believes that his young squad still needs to develop their ability to handle the pressure associated with representing one of South Africa's premier clubs. The coach noted that the contrast in the team's first and second-half performances during their match against Namibia's African Stars highlighted the need for improvement in this area. Factors contributing to this challenge include the presence of several new players in the squad and the emotional demands of playing for a big club like Pirates. Ouaddou acknowledged that while technical quality is essential, it may not be enough for the Buccaneers to compete with Africa's established teams. He emphasized that helping his players manage expectations and the intensity of major matches is equally important as enhancing their football skills. The coach even jokingly mentioned that the club might need to seek the assistance of a sports psychologist to further develop the players' mental game. Pirates' qualification for the group stage presents an opportunity for the team to assess their progress against stronger continental opposition and determine if the lessons Ouaddou aims to instill in his players can translate into performance against Africa's leading clubs. With ambitions of securing a second CAF Champions League title, Ouaddou believes that managing pressure could be just as crucial as on-pitch quality for the Buccaneers to achieve their goals.",
  "summary": "Despite securing group stage qualification, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou warns that technical ability alone won't suffice against Africa's elite without emotional discipline.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "Pirates’ Ouaddou gives update on Pedersen ahead of Stars clash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/pirates-ouaddou-gives-update-on-pedersen-ahead-of-stars-clash",
        "published": "2026-10-23T13:43:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}