Ouaddou challenges Pirates to prove treble was no fluke
Rugby
Podcasts & Videos
The Club House
Win
–>
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. (Photo: Gallo Images)
Home
Psl
Orlando Pirates
Ouaddou challenges Pirates to prove treble was no fluke
Aug 11, 2026 – 09:21 am
By Clifton Mabasa
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged his side to prove that last season’s historic treble was no fluke as they look to maintain their high standards in the new campaign.
The Buccaneers enjoyed a remarkable first season under the Moroccan mentor, winning the Betway Premiership, MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup.
After opening their league title defence with a victory over Milford FC and advancing to the MTN8 semi-finals following their win over Durban City, Ouaddou has already set his sights on maintaining the standards that brought them success last season.
With new players still being integrated into the squad, Ouaddou has stressed the importance of building as a team while also demanding more from his attacking players in front of goal.
“No, look, if you manage to reach the area of truth, the area of truth, it’s the two boxes. It’s not easy and the way that we are playing, we are not just throwing the ball with direct goals, we’re trying to build from the back with sometimes opposition,” Ouaddou told the media.
“So when you reach there, it means that you are successful in the build-up, in the progression and when you get in the final third and you create this kind of chances, I think it’s very good.
Planning to bet on Pirates in their next fixture?Before placing a bet, read our review of the best betting sites, including odds quality, welcome offers, payout speed and user experience.
“Now, like I said, you can work, you can work many hours, but after the killer instinct to feel the goals, to feel where the ball is going to land. This thing, sometimes you don’t buy them in the supermarket. You have it or you don’t have it.
“So actually, we are not giving up. We are going to keep working and I hope, to be honest, that our strikers that we have will continue to work, will continue to believe and to help us to reach this target.”
While Pirates have started the new season positively, Ouaddou knows last season’s success has raised expectations and believes the team now has to show that they can consistently compete at the highest level.
“Because we don’t have to forget that this season is very important for us,” he added.
“It’s very, very important, we must confirm what we did last season.
“But more than that, there is another competition that we failed last season and for me, it’s a really big, big target. So I need my strikers to wake up quickly to help the team.”
Pirates will face AmaZulu in a league match on Wednesday in Durban.