Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called for patience and intelligence as his side begin their MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United, warning that the narrow Old Peter Mokaba Stadium pitch will add another challenge to the tie.
The first leg takes place in Polokwane on Saturday, with Pirates seeking an advantage before the return fixture.
“We want to go there and get a result, with a lot of ambition, but at the same time it is a game that you have to play very cleverly,” Ouaddou said. “When you play two games like that, you need to be very smart.”
Pirates are defending an MTN8 title they have won for four consecutive seasons, and Ouaddou believes the competition provides an important early test for his squad.
“It’s really a pleasure to play in this competition. Everybody is taking it seriously. It builds consistency early in the season,” he said.
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Unlike many domestic super cups, the MTN8 brings together the top eight teams from the previous Premier Soccer League campaign, making the competition particularly demanding.
Pirates face a congested campaign in which they are also seeking to defend their league title and challenge for a second CAF Champions League crown. Managing the demands of those competitions will require flexibility, particularly against Sekhukhune.
“It is not easy since we are playing the first game away against a very good side,” Ouaddou said. “We know it is going to be difficult, especially on the small pitch.”
The Moroccan, who guided Pirates to a domestic treble last season, insisted his players must concentrate on the immediate task rather than look too far ahead.
“We know that we have two games. We just want now to focus on the MTN8 first leg and we know we have time to focus on the league,” he said.
“Step by step.”