Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou wants his team to focus on their bid to retain the MTN8 trophy against Sekhukhune United.
The Buccaneers travel to Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday for the first leg of their semi-final of the Wafa-Wafa tournament, with Ouaddou fully aware that their quest for a fifth consecutive title will face a stern test.
Pirates have dominated the competition in recent years, lifting the trophy in each of the last four seasons. Their remarkable run has made them the team to beat, but Ouaddou insists they cannot afford to underestimate Sekhukhune.
The French-Moroccan coach expects a physically demanding encounter, particularly with the opening match being played away from home.
“We know that the games against Sekhukhune are always difficult, especially when we are playing on a small pitch. But for us, we want to keep this title,” Ouaddou told the media this week.
The MTN8 is one of the most prestigious competitions on the domestic calendar, with the tournament bringing together the top eight finishers from the previous Betway Premiership season.
Pirates’ impressive record has also seen them remain unbeaten in two-legged MTN8 semi-final ties since 2020, but Ouaddou knows past achievements will count for little once the teams take to the field.
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With the two semi-final legs coming in a busy period that also includes a league fixture, the Pirates mentor has stressed the importance of managing the tie carefully.
“We know that we have two games and we just want to focus on the MTN8. But definitely, we want to go there to get a result with a lot of ambition,” he said.
“At the same time, it is a game that we have to play very cleverly, especially when you play two games like that.”