Orlando Pirates' coach Abdeslam Ouaddou admitted his team are favourites heading into the Soweto derby against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

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Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has embraced the pressure of being favourites ahead of Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, insisting the reigning champions must live up to their status.

Both sides head into the showdown after recording convincing 3-0 victories in the Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 on Tuesday, with Chiefs defeating TS Galaxy and Pirates overcoming Milford FC.

However, their league campaigns tell contrasting stories, with Pirates occupying second place on 22 points from eight matches, just one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns despite having played a game fewer.

Chiefs, meanwhile, sit fifth on 14 points after a frustrating spell of five consecutive draws in the league, although their cup victory has provided a timely boost ahead of the derby.

Speaking at Thursday’s official Soweto Derby press conference at the SuperSport TV studios in Randburg, Ouaddou acknowledged that Pirates’ status as defending champions brings expectations they cannot afford to shy away from.

The Moroccan tactician guided the Buccaneers to their first league title in 14 years last season and remains unbeaten against Chiefs, having recorded one victory and one draw in his two meetings with Amakhosi.

However, he insisted that last season’s achievements would count for little when the two rivals meet again.

“It is another game. We didn’t lose last season [against Chiefs], but for me, what we achieved last season is in the past,” Ouaddou said.

“Well done to the boys, but we have to move on because football is always moving. It is a new season with new targets, and we have to plan properly for Chiefs. We need to have that positive arrogance.

“We have to accept this position of being favourites because we are the champions. We have to embrace it. But at the same time, we are playing against a team with a new coach.”

Despite confidently accepting the favourites tag, Ouaddou warned that Pirates would need more than their superior league position to overcome their Soweto rivals.

Chiefs are under the guidance of Fernando da Cruz, whose fresh ideas and approach have added another dimension to the contest, according to the Pirates coach.

“Yes, we are the favourites — clear favourites — but being favourites does not guarantee you a win,” Ouaddou cautioned.

“Chiefs have a new coach, new energy, and new ideas, and they are doing a good job. So it is up to us to come with a lot of energy, execute our plan, and deliver a good game of football for the South African fans.”

With bragging rights and crucial league points at stake, Ouaddou’s challenge is to ensure Pirates turn their favourites status into a result on Saturday.