Orlando Pirates feel they have found a gem of a coach in Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The French-Moroccan tactician has become the first Buccaneers coach in Premier Soccer League history to win eight consecutive matches across all competitions.
The series included wins in the Betway Premiership, MTN8, CAF Champions League, Carling Knockout, and the MTN8 crown.
ORLANDO PIRATES MATCHES IN OCTOBER
October will test the Sea Robber’s fitness and squad depth, with four fixtures packed into just over two weeks.
To start, it’s a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo to face Saint Eloi Lupopo in what promises to be a tricky CAF Champions League clash in Lubumbashi.
After that, there will be Betway Premiership action, another CAF occasion, and cup football in the Carling Knockout.
FULL LIST:
Sunday, 19 October – CAF Champions League
- Saint Eloi Lupopo vs Orlando Pirates
- Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium, Lubumbashi, DRC
Wednesday, 22 October – Betway Premiership
- Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City
- Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday, 25 October – CAF Champions League
- Orlando Pirates vs Saint Eloi Lupopo
- Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 28 October – Carling Knockout Quarterfinal
- Orlando Pirates vs Magesi FC
- Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BIG DREAM
The CAF Champions League remains the real prize for the Soweto giants this season. Beyond the prestige, the tournament also offers huge financial rewards, with prize money far exceeding what’s earned in local competitions.
This campaign is all about consistency. Bucs fans will remember how far the Sea Robbers sailed the continent last term, reaching the semifinals before bowing out to eventual champions Pyramids FC.
Orlando Pirates started by crushing Madagascar’s FC Disciples 4-0 on aggregate, then brushed aside Botswana giants Jwaneng Galaxy 3-0. The group stage was no breeze. Group C featured Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad and Stade Abidjan. Yet Bucs topped it with 14 points, leaving Al Ahly behind with 10 points.
The Buccaneers went even further by edging Algeria’s MC Algiers 1-0 on aggregate in the quarterfinals, before Pyramids ended the dream in the semis with a narrow 3-2 win.
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