Abdeslam Ouaddou vows to revive ‘Happy People’ spirit as Orlando Pirates face crucial Mamelodi Sundowns test

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou concedes the club’s fans are not living up to their ‘Happy People’ moniker at the moment — something he and the team are determined to change.

Pirates were expected to start the season strongly, and early signs supported those expectations after they progressed to the MTN8 semi-finals. However, that promising start has proven to be a false alarm so far. The Buccaneers began their Betway Premiership campaign on a sour note, losing their first two games.

Those defeats have increased the pressure on Ouaddou to turn things around quickly or risk being sacked even before the quarter mark of the campaign. Speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of their MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash at home to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon, Ouaddou acknowledged the supporters’ frustrations.

“I understand the frustrations of our fans. They are Happy People, and they love the club,” Ouaddou said.

“Every fan in the country is passionate — they are the 12th man. In every big football nation in Africa, when you start like this, you understand the disappointment. What we can promise them is that we will bounce back. We’ll sweat for the shirt, represent the badge with pride, and bring them happiness. It’s only the beginning.”

Fans’ frustration stems partly from Ouaddou’s approach, as he has almost dismantled the squad that José Riveiro built over the past three years. Ouaddou had promised upon his arrival to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, but critics argue he has not delivered on that pledge.

In his defence, the Morocco-born coach explained that he selects his starting XI based on the opponent rather than strictly sticking to established combinations or individual talent.

“Every game is unique and has its own challenges,” he said.

“If you truly understand football, you’ll see some interesting things our players have done. Some things haven’t gone well, but we are here to work and improve. The players know how important it is to perform. We thought we would bring joy to our supporters already, but we will still do that before the end of the season.”

Notably absent from the match-day squad is striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who is just a few goals away from becoming the club's all-time top scorer. Ouaddou confirmed that Mabasa is training with the team, while Olisa Ndah, Makhehleni Makhaula, and Nkosinathi Sibisi have been ruled out of the first leg in Orlando.

“As I’ve said before, we have a big squad with very good players,” Ouaddou noted. “Everyone will be important this season. There’s no bad reason for the absence of certain players — they’re training well, and their time will come to contribute.

"It’s important to remain positive with the players, to give them trust so they can bounce back. If you are not mentally ready, it becomes difficult. It’s our job, along with the staff, to continue believing in the players we have.”

Ouaddou admits the MTN8 semi-final against Sundowns could make or break his tenure at Pirates, which is why he insists the team will leave no stone unturned.

“It’s very exciting for us and for the fans,” he said. "We’re focused on playing well and winning on Saturday. We know it won’t be easy, but that’s our focus. The pressure when you face a big team is always there. We have to turn that pressure into something positive, give our best for the fans and the club, and bring back the happy victories.”