Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged his players to embrace the pressure of being favourites ahead of their Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, while warning that last season’s success will count for little when the two rivals meet.

Ouaddou said Pirates must recognise their status as champions but avoid allowing past achievements to distract them from the demands of the new campaign. He praised the players and club for what they accomplished last season, insisting that the team must now focus on fresh objectives.

“We didn’t lose last season. But what we achieved last season is in the past. Well done to the boys and the club. But we have to move on. It’s another season, other targets, and we have to plan for that,” he said.

The coach believes the team should approach the derby with confidence, describing the attitude required as “positive arrogance”. In his view, Pirates should not shy away from being regarded as favourites after their championship success.

“We have to accept this position of favourites because we were champions,” Ouaddou said.

However, he also acknowledged that the new season presents different challenges, including facing opponents operating under new management. The coach made it clear that being labelled favourites does not guarantee victory, particularly in a fixture as emotionally charged as the Soweto derby.

“To be favourites, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to win,” he added.

Ouaddou stressed that the outcome would depend on how his players prepare and perform on the day. He wants Pirates to bring energy to the contest and deliver football that satisfies their supporters and the wider South African audience.

“It’s up to us to come with a lot of energy and to give good football for South Africa,” he said.

The Soweto derby is one of South African football’s most closely followed rivalries, with Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs competing for local bragging rights as well as valuable league points. Matches between the sides often attract intense attention from supporters, regardless of their positions in the standings.

For Pirates, the challenge will be to turn the confidence associated with being champions into a strong performance against their city rivals. Ouaddou’s message is that the team must respect what it achieved last season without assuming that the same success will automatically continue.

His emphasis on energy, focus and quality football sets the tone for Pirates as they prepare for another high-pressure meeting with Chiefs.

Source: https://x.com/idiskitimes/status/2115780847445909944?s=46