Soweto Derby: Abdeslam Ouaddou Reveals Why Orlando Pirates Are Favourites Against Kaizer Chiefs
- Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed the pressure of being favourites ahead of Saturday's Betway Premiership Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium
- Pirates head into the clash second in the league standings with 22 points from eight matches, one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand
- Ouaddou urged his players to show what he called positive arrogance while warning that their league standing would not guarantee victory on the day
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Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has spoken candidly about the weight of expectation on his side ahead of Saturday's Betway Premiership Soweto Derby, insisting the Buccaneers must own their status as favourites rather than shy away from it.
The two Soweto rivals meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off set for 15:30 CAT, in what will be the first league Derby of the 2026/2027 season.
Ouaddou Calls for Positive Arrogance
Speaking at Thursday's pre-match press conference at SuperSport TV studios in Randburg, the Moroccan coach made clear that Pirates must carry the confidence of reigning champions into the fixture. He called on his players to demonstrate what he described as positive arrogance, while stressing that their title triumph last season — Pirates' first league title in 14 years — would carry no automatic weight come Saturday.
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Ouaddou also pointed to the appointment of Fernando Da Cruz as Kaizer Chiefs head coach, noting that the new man at Naturena has introduced fresh ideas and energy to the Amakhosi camp.
Pirates' Form Contrasts Sharply With Chiefs'
The contrast in league form between the two sides heading into the fixture is stark. Pirates currently sit second in the Betway Premiership with 22 points from eight matches, having won seven and drawn one, leaving them a single point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand. Chiefs, by comparison, occupy fifth place on 14 points after a run of five successive draws before their midweek cup win.
Both clubs arrive off the back of identical 3-0 victories in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday. Chiefs beat TS Galaxy while Pirates saw off Milford FC, with both sides booking quarter-final berths.
Despite the confidence in his camp, Ouaddou was measured in his assessment. He acknowledged the strides Chiefs have made under Da Cruz and cautioned that favourites tags are won and lost on the pitch. Discipline, intensity and tactical execution, he said, will matter far more than standings when the two sides meet this weekend.
Ouaddou remains unbeaten against Chiefs in two previous encounters, recording one win and one draw, and will be aiming to extend that record on Saturday.
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Source: Briefly News
