Orlando Pirates: Abdeslam Ouaddou challenges Buccaneers to chase historic domestic clean sweep

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has welcomed the challenge of competing on multiple fronts this season as his side turns their attention to the Nedbank Cup last 32 clash against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

The Buccaneers return to the competition still smarting from last season’s narrow 1–0 defeat to arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the final. However, with momentum firmly on their side, Pirates appear better placed this time around to mount another serious cup run as they chase a third Nedbank Cup title in four seasons.

Fresh from an important 2–0 victory over AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership, the Soweto giants head into the weekend’s fixture as clear favourites against ABC Motsepe League outfit TTM.

Despite the apparent mismatch on paper, Ouaddou insists there can be no complacency from his side, confirming that Pirates will approach the tie fully committed.

“It will be an important game for us. We do not underestimate any team in this competition and we are taking it very seriously,” Ouaddou said, ahead of the match.

“About our opponents, I cannot say that we do not know anything about them when we are a professional team. We have maximum information about that team, and what I can guarantee you is that on Saturday we will have the strongest team to start that game.”

With the MTN8 and Carling Knockout already secured, growing talk has emerged around Pirates’ ambitions of claiming every domestic trophy on offer this season. Out of the Caf Champions League and boasting one of the most talented squads in the league, the Soweto giants appear well positioned for a sustained challenge.

Currently sitting at the summit of the Premiership standings, three points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns, and with an impressive recent record in cup competitions, Ouaddou did not shy away from challenging his squad to chase history by attempting a clean sweep — an achievement yet to be realised in the PSL era.

“It is not only for me because I am not playing alone,” Ouaddou continued.

“It is for all of us, and it is a huge challenge. Nobody has done it, and it is the sort of motivation to try and go for everything in order to write the names of the players into the history of the club. With such things, you have to be motivated.

“You have to challenge yourself because football has a short lifespan, time goes quickly, and you have to be ambitious and leave a name for the club you are playing for.”

However, the Moroccan tactician also warned that strong squads and good form alone do not guarantee success, drawing on his own experience from his playing days.

“In 2004, I was in the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) final and we had the strongest team in Africa. We played fantastic football and everyone saw us as the favourites, but in the end we did not win the trophy.

“That is why I always tell the players to use the time they have to try to leave the club as legends. It is a big challenge for us,” Ouaddou concluded.