Abdeslam Ouaddou embraces pressure as Orlando Pirates target Carling Knockout success

ABDESLAM Ouaddou knows he’s under pressure to deliver every piece of silverware at Orlando Pirates, which is why they aim to go all out in the third edition of the Carling Knockout.

Ouaddou has enjoyed a purple patch at Pirates, winning seven games in a row in all competitions, including the MTN8 crown — the club’s record-extending fourth successive title in the competition.

Having turned the tide after a patchy start — which included back-to-back losses in the Betway Premiership — expectations have mounted on Ouaddou to win silverware with every passing competition, including the Carling Knockout.

The league cup eluded Pirates in the last two seasons under Ouaddou’s predecessor, Jose Riveiro. They lost to Richards Bay in the quarter-finals of its inaugural season, and to eventual champions Magesi in the opening round last campaign.

However, The Ghost hope to be third-time lucky under Ouaddou, who has duly accepted the pressure and responsibility, knowing it comes with the job.

“There is always pressure in what you are doing,” conceded Ouaddou, whose team will face Siwelele in the opener at home — Orlando Stadium — on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).

“If you don’t feel it, that means you don’t give meaning to what you are doing. But that meaning must always be positive.

“For me, as long as you don’t feel pressure to do well and be at your best, then you must stop coaching. The pressure is always there, but you have to make it a positive one.”

Pirates have had the busiest schedule in the league so far this season. They’ve already played in three competitions: the MTN8, Betway Premiership, and the CAF Champions League.

Ouaddou, though, is not sulking or moaning. He knows that’s part and parcel of coaching a team of Pirates’ calibre.

“It’s our job as coaches and players. We’re doing this out of passion, so for me, it’s normal to be at press conferences and on the pitch every day,” said Ouaddou.

“We’re only doing our job and trying to give our best for our fans. We’re playing attractive football for them and all the football-loving people of South Africa.”

The congested fixture list has brought a silver lining for Ouaddou, as he’s been able to maximise his large squad by rotating players — which is why he believes the approach varies from game to game.

“I don’t believe in sticking to one starting lineup. When you coach a big club, the approach has to be different,” he said.

“I believe in the whole group of players, not just 11.

“What I can tell you is that we’re taking the game against Siwelele seriously, and we want to progress to the next round. It’s a very important competition, so we’ll aim to field our strongest team.”

The Ghost have rallied behind the team and Ouaddou in recent weeks, especially as players like Tshepang Moremi have begun to adapt to the club and its high demands.

When fans initially booed Moremi for a slow start, Ouaddou believes it was tough love — and the supporters have since embraced him following his impressive run of form, which also earned him a place in Bafana Bafana’s final squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“We have a fantastic group of supporters. Everywhere in the world, when you're at a big club, there are a lot of expectations,” said Ouaddou.

“I think it was a form of motivation for him as well. We can say the fans push us to be better too.”