Abdeslam Ouaddou Warned Ahead of Orlando Pirates Tie With Orbit College in Betway Premiership

• Abdeslam Ouaddou and Orlando Pirates are preparing for their last game of the season against Orbit College in the Betway Premiership
• The Soweto giants are close to winning their first league title in 14 years, and also end Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance in the competition
• A former captain of the Bucs has sent a strong warning to the French-Moroccan mentor ahead of this weekend's decisive match

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been warned against altering his tactical setup ahead of the club’s decisive Premier Soccer League clash against Orbit College at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

The Mswenko Boys face relegation should they suffer defeat, while 2024 Carling Knockout Cup champions, Magesi FC, secure victory over Richards Bay. Meanwhile, the Soweto giants can seal the title if they collect all three points in Saturday's encounter.

Motale warns Ouaddou before Orbit showdown

Former Sea Robbers skipper Edward Motale believes Pirates delivered an impressive performance in their stalemate against Durban City last time out. He warned Ouaddou not to make unnecessary tactical adjustments, arguing that changing a winning formula could backfire on the team.

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Motale also urged the players to leave everything on the field as they chase league glory.

“Yes, I saw championship qualities in Orlando Pirates against Durban City. The only issue was that City defended deep throughout the game. Pirates earned 19 corners compared to City’s one, which shows they controlled the match completely. City managed just a single shot on target in 90 minutes. Had the Sea Robbers converted, the game would have been over much earlier,” he told FARPost.

“There was a clear desire from Orlando Pirates, with all those corners and close to 10 attempts at goal. The Orbit match will be different from the City game, although Orbit College are not as strong. Still, it won’t be straightforward.

“Durban City have superior players. Orbit College FC have lost five or six of their last 10 matches, and that says a lot. Ouaddou must stick with the same tactical plan used against City. If he changes things now, Orlando Pirates could run into trouble. The approach against City was spot on; they just failed to finish their chances. The same mentality and tactical discipline must remain.

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“My message to the players is simple: carry the same spirit from last week into Mbombela. Bring the same work rate, energy, and mentality. I’ll be there celebrating with them. It won’t be an easy game, but Pirates will come out on top,” Motale concluded.

Pirates season review ahead Orbit clash

Orlando Pirates are arguably the best team in the Premier Soccer League this season, as they have won more trophies than other clubs and are also close to winning the league.

Ouaddou was appointed as the Sea Robbers' coach at the beginning of the season, and he started by winning the MTN8 title, then he followed it up by leading the team to victory in the Carling Knockout Cup.

Regardless of the outcome on Saturday against Orbit College, this season would still be seen as a successful debut campaign for the French Moroccan tactician.

Ouaddou calls out Pirates 'boo boys'

Briefly News also reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed Orlando Pirates fans who were booing the team against TS Galaxy in the league.

The former Marumo Gallants manager stressed that his players are fully committed every time they step onto the pitch.

Source: Briefly News