Ouaddou’s side have dropped points in the title race in recent weeks and head into Tuesday’s league clash with Stellenbosch at the Athlone Stadium five points adrift of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but with a game in hand.
While the Brazilians overcame Polokwane City 3-0 on Sunday, Bucs last drew with rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby over a week ago.
Leading up to the game, Ouaddou acknowledged that fatigue had affected his side in recent weeks but was grateful for a week off to prepare for Stellies who are yet to lose a league game at home in 2026.
“They need to rest because they’re not robots, they are human, and more especially if you see the effort they put into the game at the speed we demand, so it’s important for them to rest,” said Ouaddou on IOL.
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“But when we come back to the business, we have to analyse what we can fix. I can guarantee that the remaining games, we’re going with the same pace and motivation until we see the conclusion of this league race.”
Pirates won the reverse fixture 1-0, while Stellenbosch come into this game in 10th place on the table and on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Polokwane City.