Ouaddou ready to lead Orlando Pirates in MTN8 final despite accident setback

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has declared his side fully prepared for Saturday’s MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium (6pm kick-off), despite a challenging build-up this past fortnight.

The Buccaneers head into the clash against a fresh Stellies outfit with much of their squad only returning this week from national team duty with Bafana Bafana in Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers agianst Lesotho and Nigeria.

Before the international break, the Sea Robbers had generated strong momentum with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chippa United. The mood in the camp, however, was shaken when Ouaddou and members of his technical staff were involved in a post-match road accident returning from Gqerberha.

Though still recovering with one arm in a sling, the Moroccan tactician will lead his team from the dugout on Saturday in the final. Ouaddou emphasised on Tuesday that all attention remains firmly on the final and securing their second consecutive win against Stellies this season, despite the recent challenges.

“Everyone knows that its a big event for for the club and the fans,” said Ouaddou.

“We have been preparing well and everyone is focused on the final, and its very important for our fans and the club. Stellenbosch is well known for many years now, they are a very professional club and they have a vision and they have a good coach and players.

“The fact that we won the first game doesn’t mean that we have to take it easy. It's another game, it's a final, and every team that reaches the final means they have a lot of quality. That is why we are talking it very seriously and I can assure you we will be ready for the final.”

Still carrying the emotions of the accident, Ouaddou admitted the experience left him grateful to be preparing for such a major occasion.

“I am very proud to reach the final with my players for the club,” Ouaddou said.

“I am a bit emotional, of course, and not for reaching the final, but emotional because I am able to speak today. I do not want to go back to the accident but I want to thank everyone at the hospital – they did a good job for me to be here and to be able to manage the game on Saturday.”

Pirates beat Stellenbosch 1-0 in the league earlier this season, but Ouaddou warned against complacency and promised his team will approach the final with only professionalism. Victor this weekend will also secure the MTN8 title for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time.

“I will not change anything," Ouaddou said.

"I will, of course, prepare for the game with my players like we did in the beginning, with a lot of professionalism and to analyse the opponent and to try and find the weaknesses and try to imbalance them.

“We also have areas that we could improve in from the first game we played against them in the league. I can assure you (the final) will not be easy.”

On the squad front, Ouaddou confirmed that 2024/25 Midfielder of the Season, Makhehlene Makhaula, is close to returning from a lengthy absence. However, the coach insisted his comeback will be carefully managed, while midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi will be available for selection.

“It's always a satisfaction when very important players that have achieved a lot for the club come back. The more we have options the better it is for the coach.

"I am very happy that Makhaula is coming back.

“He has been out for long. My and the medical department's duty is to ensure that he comes back stronger and not to take any risk. We will be in communication but of course we will try to make the right decision for him and the club.

“You can see him (Maswanganyi) on the pitch, the medical team gave him the green light, it seems not to have been a serious injury,” Ouaddou concluded.