Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Faces First Final After Hospital Stay

Orlando Pirates enter Saturday’s MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium with historic stakes. A win would make Pirates the first club in South African football history to claim a cup competition four years in a row.

For head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the match carries added significance. It is his first final with the club, coming just days after he was hospitalized following an accident. Despite the setback, the Moroccan-French coach expressed pride in reaching the final.

“I’m very proud to reach the final with my players, for the club as well. I’m a bit emotional, of course. I’m a bit emotional not for reaching the final, a bit emotional to be able to speak to you today,” Ouaddou told media. He also thanked the staff at Sunninghill Hospital, including doctors, cleaners, and chefs, for their care.

Ouaddou emphasized his focus on preparation and professionalism. “Regarding that event, my only target is I will not change anything. I will prepare for the game with my players with a lot of professionalism, analyze the teams and try to find the weakness of that team and see how we can imbalance that team. And yes, of course, to improve some areas that we could improve in the first game in the league. What I can assure you is that it will not be easy.”

The coach highlighted the importance of the final for the players, fans, and club. “It is very important for our players, for our fans, for the club. We will try to defend our title and make our fans happy. The club has been winning that competition, so it is a target. It is a target for the players, a target for me, a target for the club, but let me tell you that the club has many targets this season, and we cannot only focus on that moment.”

Ouaddou stressed that while the final is significant, it is one of many objectives for the season, including league performance and the CAF Champions League. “It is one moment that is very important but one moment of such importance as the other ones in the league and the other cups coming and the Champions League as well. We will try definitely to give our best and to make our fans happy.”

Saturday’s final offers Ouaddou a chance to join the club’s list of first-time MTN8 winners alongside Jose Riveiro, Josef Zinnbauer, Julio Leal, and Gordon Igesund, while Pirates aim to cement their record-breaking achievement.