Pirates Bombshell: Nkosinathi Sibisi Reveals What Abdeslam Ouaddou Demands From His Players Ahead Of Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has lifted the lid on the demanding standards set by head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, explaining why even convincing victories are not always enough to satisfy the Buccaneers’ ambitious mentor.

With the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs approaching, Sibisi’s comments have offered supporters a glimpse into the mentality being built at the Orlando-based club. The message is clear: winning matters, but the manner in which the team performs is equally important.

Pirates head into Saturday’s Betway Premiership showdown at FNB Stadium with confidence after defeating Milford FC 3-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday. However, Ouaddou was far from completely satisfied with his team’s display, believing his players could have done considerably more with the opportunities they created.

For Sibisi, understanding the coach’s expectations has become part of the process of adapting to his methods and helping the rest of the squad embrace the same philosophy.

‘He Doesn’t Demand Good, He Wants Excellence’

Speaking ahead of the derby, Sibisi explained that players who have worked with Ouaddou for longer have had more time to understand his approach.

“For some of us who have been with him for the past season, it’s been easier for us to understand what he wants and what he demands,” Sibisi said.

He added that the newer players were also learning what the coach expected from them.

“I think everyone who just came in also learned and understands him because he doesn’t demand good, he wants excellence.”

Sibisi described Ouaddou as a straight-talking coach who does not hesitate to point out shortcomings, even when Pirates have secured a comfortable victory.

“Whenever we win 3-0 or 4-0 or 8-0, he will say straight. He is a straight talker, so for us it is to take it in a positive manner and push.”

The captain’s comments suggest that Ouaddou wants his players to view criticism as an opportunity to improve rather than a reason to become defensive.

Why The Milford Win Was Not Enough

Pirates’ 3-0 victory over Milford secured their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals, but the scoreline did not tell the entire story from the coach’s perspective.

Ouaddou was frustrated by missed chances and poor decisions in the final third. He believes a club with Pirates’ ambitions must make better use of its opportunities, regardless of the opposition.

The coach has repeatedly emphasised that representing the Buccaneers requires commitment, discipline, respect for the badge and a mentality focused on winning consistently.

His approach reflects the pressure that comes with leading a club competing for domestic honours and continental success. With fixtures arriving quickly, he wants weaknesses identified and corrected immediately rather than left until later in the season.

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