PIRATES EYE CARLING KNOCKOUT HISTORY AS OUADDOU PREPARES FOR STELLENBOSCH SHOWDOWN

the buccaneers are determined to defend their crown, but stellenbosch stand between them and another appearance in the final.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 10 NOVEMBER 2026

Orlando Pirates are preparing for another important challenge in their Carling Knockout campaign, with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou facing the task of guiding the Buccaneers towards retaining their title after the international break.

The Soweto giants have their eyes firmly set on lifting the prestigious knockout trophy once again, but they must first overcome a difficult Stellenbosch FC side in the semi-final.

For Pirates, the competition represents another opportunity to strengthen their growing ambitions under Ouaddou, who will be eager to deliver silverware and maintain the club's winning momentum.

Defending a cup title is never an easy assignment, particularly in a competition where one disappointing performance can bring an entire campaign to an end. However, Pirates have the quality, experience and attacking options to make another serious push for the trophy.

The international break will provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess the squad, monitor the condition of returning players and prepare a suitable tactical approach for the semi-final encounter.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2120194116323524981