Abdeslam Ouaddou Reveals Orlando Pirates’ Soweto Derby Preparations Ahead of Kaizer Chiefs Clash

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has outlined how the Buccaneers will prepare for Saturday’s highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, stressing the importance of identifying weaknesses and making immediate improvements. Pirates head into the showdown with confidence after recording consecutive victories in domestic and continental competitions. They defeated Milford FC 3-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday evening before beating African Stars 4-0 on Friday to secure qualification for the CAF Champions League group stages. Despite those convincing results, Ouaddou has made it clear that his team cannot afford to become complacent ahead of one of South African football’s biggest fixtures. The coach wants his players to analyse their performances, correct their mistakes and approach the derby with the discipline and mentality required to represent a club of Pirates’ stature.

The short turnaround between matches means that Pirates have little time to waste as they prepare for their meeting with Kaizer Chiefs. Ouaddou acknowledged that his technical team must review the recent performances carefully and identify both the positive aspects and the areas that need attention. Rather than allowing the players to focus only on their victories, the coach intends to use the analysis process to maintain the team’s progress and address problems before they become more serious. Wednesday was scheduled for reviewing the Milford FC performance, with the technical team examining what worked well and what could be improved. The approach reflects Ouaddou’s belief that successful teams must continue developing even when results are positive. With the Soweto Derby approaching quickly, the Pirates coach knows that every training session and tactical discussion could make a difference.

Speaking to journalists after the victory over Milford FC, Ouaddou explained that the team would begin its preparations by analysing the performance and identifying specific areas for improvement. He emphasised that the players needed to respond quickly because football offers limited time to correct mistakes between fixtures. “Tomorrow (Wednesday) we make analysis. We show the things that we did well and the things that we can improve. And we need to improve them quickly,” Ouaddou said. He also highlighted the danger of delaying important changes, explaining that waiting too long could prevent the team from reaching its objectives. “We don’t have time in football. If I’m waiting until December to improve these things, maybe it’s too late,” he added. His comments underline the importance of continuous assessment as Pirates prepare for a derby that will demand concentration and consistency.

The Soweto Derby presents a different type of challenge from the matches Pirates have played in recent days. Although the victories over Milford FC and African Stars provided positive momentum, the encounter with Kaizer Chiefs carries its own tactical demands and emotional pressure. Both clubs have large support bases, and performances in this fixture often attract intense attention from supporters and the wider football community. Ouaddou will therefore need his players to remain focused on their responsibilities rather than allowing the occasion to distract them from the match plan. Tactical organisation, decision-making and discipline will all be important when the teams meet. The coach’s emphasis on reviewing performances suggests that Pirates will look to combine their recent attacking effectiveness with improvements in other areas of their game.

Beyond tactics and technical preparation, Ouaddou has stressed that mentality and behaviour are central to building a successful team. The Pirates coach believes that players must understand the responsibility that comes with representing a club with a long history and a strong reputation in African football. For him, commitment to the team must begin with respect for the badge, the shirt and the institution itself. He explained that values form the foundation of any serious football project and that players must take pride in their role. “But for me, what is important is the behaviour. The behaviour, the values are the foundation of all projects,” he said. His message makes it clear that producing results is only one part of the responsibility attached to wearing the Orlando Pirates jersey.

Ouaddou expanded on this point by emphasising the importance of pride and respect when competing at the highest level. He believes that players must recognise the significance of representing a club with Pirates’ standing and demonstrate that understanding through their actions on and off the pitch. “If we don’t have values, pride is very important. Respect. Respect the badge. Respect the shirt. Respect the club. Huge club in Africa,” the coach explained. He then questioned how a team could compete at the highest level without that sense of pride and responsibility. For Ouaddou, these principles are not separate from football performance because they influence how players approach training, competition and difficult moments during matches. His comments suggest that the technical team’s preparations for the Soweto Derby will focus on both tactical improvements and the standards expected from every player.

The coach also made it clear that representing Orlando Pirates should never be treated as an automatic privilege. Players must demonstrate through their performances, attitude and commitment that they deserve to wear the famous black and white jersey. Ouaddou acknowledged that coaching a major club comes with scrutiny and expectations, but he also expects the players to understand the responsibility that accompanies their position. “You have to deserve to play for a big club. You have to deserve. It’s not easy to play for a big club,” he said. The statement serves as a reminder that reputation alone cannot guarantee a place in the team. Players must continue to work hard, meet the club’s standards and show that they are prepared to compete at the highest level.

For Pirates, the challenge now is to carry their recent winning form into the derby while maintaining the hunger to improve. The 3-0 victory over Milford FC demonstrated their ability to produce a convincing result in the Carling Knockout Cup, while the 4-0 win against African Stars secured their place in the CAF Champions League group stages. Those performances provide encouragement, but Ouaddou is clearly unwilling to treat them as evidence that the team has nothing left to improve. The coaching staff must assess the details of both matches and determine what needs to change before facing Chiefs. The short preparation period makes efficient analysis especially important because the team cannot spend weeks working through every issue. Pirates will need to focus on the most relevant adjustments and ensure that the players understand their roles before kick-off.

Kaizer Chiefs will provide a significant test of Pirates’ readiness, particularly because the Soweto Derby places considerable demands on concentration and composure. Both teams will want to produce a strong performance for their supporters, making the contest important beyond the immediate result. Pirates must balance confidence from their recent victories with the discipline required to manage a high-pressure fixture. The team will also need to respond effectively to the challenges presented by Chiefs, adapting when necessary without losing its tactical structure. Ouaddou’s emphasis on values and accountability could be important in maintaining focus throughout the match. Ultimately, the players will need to demonstrate their preparation on the pitch rather than rely on their recent results or reputation.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s message ahead of the Soweto Derby is clear. Orlando Pirates must continue improving, correct their mistakes quickly and uphold the standards expected of a club with a rich football history. The victories over Milford FC and African Stars have given the Buccaneers positive momentum, but the coach wants his players to approach the Kaizer Chiefs clash with humility, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility. His focus on detailed performance analysis shows that he values progress as much as immediate results. His emphasis on pride and respect also highlights the importance of mentality when competing in major fixtures. As Saturday’s derby approaches, Pirates will aim to turn those principles into a performance that reflects their ambitions in South African football.