Following a historic MTN8 final victory, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou took a moment to reflect on his team’s triumph—and to remind his critics about the importance of patience.
The Buccaneers secured a record-breaking fourth consecutive title by defeating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in extra time at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night.
The win marks Ouaddou’s first trophy since taking over from the popular Jose Riveiro, a three-time winner of the same cup.
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Ouaddou’s tactical changes proved to be the difference-maker. The introduction of substitutes like Tshepang Moremi and Tshegofatso Mabasa turned a tight, goalless match into a commanding victory. Moremi went on to score a brace, with Mabasa adding the other goal to put the game beyond doubt.
This masterful performance was a stark contrast to the start of the season, when Pirates suffered back-to-back losses in the Betway Premiership against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants. At the time, Ouaddou recalled, some fans were already calling for his dismissal.
In his post-match interview, Ouaddou addressed the early-season criticism with a mix of pride and a pointed observation about the nature of football fandom.
“Of course, we’re happy because the club has been winning this trophy for many years,” he said. “For people, it’s normal, but it’s not normal because you have to perform, you need to win games against Mamelodi Sundowns, and it was not easy.”
He stressed that he was never worried, even when others were. “Football needs patience sometimes, when you come to a club that has ten new players, and you have to bring a new weapon for the club to be more dangerous. And sometimes, it takes time and people don’t understand.”
He concluded, “But still after two games, people want to fire the coach.”
With the MTN8 trophy now in the cabinet, Pirates will turn their attention to the Champions League. Their campaign kicks off on Saturday, September 20, 2025, against Lesotho’s Lioli FC at the Toyota Stadium in the Free State.