Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged Orlando Pirates to embrace the expectations that come with being Premiership champions, while warning that their status as favourites will count for little when they face Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s Soweto Derby.
The Buccaneers head into a sold-out FNB Stadium in confident mood after an impressive period under the Moroccan coach, but Ouaddou insists last season’s achievements must have no bearing on the latest meeting between South Africa’s biggest rivals.
“It’s another game for us, and of course we did not lose last season. The boys and I achieved a lot last season, but what happened last season is all in the past, and we must move on because this is a new season with new targets,” he said.
Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference in Randburg, Ouaddou was unapologetic about Pirates’ position as champions and the expectations that accompany it.
He believes his players should approach the occasion with confidence, but also recognises that Chiefs present a different challenge under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
READ:“We Are Confident” – Kaizer Chiefs Head coach Fernando Da Cruz ahead of Soweto Derby
“Ahead of this game, we need to have a positive attitude and arrogance and accept the position that we are in as favourites, because we are the league champions. So, we must accept it,” Ouaddou said.
However, he was quick to point out that reputation and previous success offer no guarantee of victory in a fixture where form often counts for little.
“But being favourites does not always mean that you are going to win,” he added.
Ouaddou has been impressed by the renewed energy at Naturena since Da Cruz took charge, and believes Pirates will need to match that intensity if they are to impose themselves on the contest.
“There is a new coach and technical team that is doing a good job at Kaizer Chiefs, and we see the renewed energy, so it’s up to us to come with a lot of energy as well and to try to display good football for South Africa,” he said.
The Pirates coach’s message is one of confidence without complacency. His side will carry the favourites tag into the derby, but must deliver on the pitch against opponents determined to make their own statement under new leadership.