Pirates confirmed their spot in the final after dispatching Richards Bay FC 1-0 in a tense semi-final clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, securing their second domestic cup final appearance of the season.

 

 

Since taking the reins during the off-season, the Moroccan coach has made a formidable impression. Under his guidance, the team’s record stands as a testament to his impact: out of 21 matches played, Pirates have secured 15 wins in regulation time, along with a crucial penalty shootout victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final.

 

The Buccaneers subsequently went on to lift the MTN8 trophy for the fourth consecutive year.

 

With the club also sitting within touching distance of the league summit, the initial doubts surrounding his appointment have largely evaporated. Ouaddou, however, views the weight of expectation not as a burden, but as the fuel for success.

 

 

For Ouaddou, the intensity is an inherent part of the job at Orlando Pirates.

 

“When you come into such a big club, not only in the country but on the continent, you must understand that pressure comes with it,” Ouaddou explained. “For me, if you don’t have this kind of pressure, it becomes difficult to deliver.”

 

The 45-year-old coach describes this intense environment as “positive pressure”, a force that compels excellence rather than inducing fear. He credits the passionate fan base for maintaining the necessary intensity within the club.

 

“This pressure pushes you to give your best for the players, for the staff, and for the club,” he continued. “If you are too relaxed, you can’t give 100% of your capacity. The supporters make you feel it every day… at Pirates, you don’t have time to chill.”

 

Having already secured the MTN8, the Buccaneers are now firmly on course for a domestic double, a potentially remarkable achievement for Ouaddou in his debut season, underscoring the team’s growing consistency and confidence in high-stakes fixtures.