Abdeslam Ouaddou says Orlando Pirates will not compromise on results as he manages a changing squad in pursuit of a fifth consecutive MTN8 title.
The Buccaneers booked their place in the semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, where Ghampani Lungu scored the winner in the final minute of extra time.
Pirates are attempting to extend their dominance of the competition, but Ouaddou is also overseeing a squad that has undergone significant change during the off-season. A number of players are still building match fitness and adapting to competitive football, yet the Moroccan coach made it clear that selection will remain performance-driven.
“We’re not in the circus, we have a professional ecosystem and there is a lot of expectation,” Ouaddou said. “If you remember my first two games last season, do you think I was happy to have eight bodyguards around me?”
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That difficult start to his tenure has shaped his thinking. Ouaddou believes the pressure attached to leading Pirates leaves little room for experimentation when trophies are at stake.
“I want to win,” he said. “Of course I’m going to play the strongest team because the fans want to win this competition, the club wants to win it and I want to win it as well.”
The coach also dismissed suggestions that players would be selected simply to gain minutes.
“I’m always going to play the strongest team and the people who deserve to start will show me at training and in the preparation,” he said. “I don’t give people flowers.”
Pirates face another demanding season as they defend their Betway Premiership title and compete in the CAF Champions League, making squad management essential. For now, though, Ouaddou’s focus remains firmly on extending their remarkable MTN8 run.