Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made a bold promise to the fans after a poor start to the 2025/26 season.
Despite winning the MTN8 quarter-final clash against Polokwane City in his first match, the Moroccan coach lost back-to-back Betway Premiership matches in a space of three days. His bad league start has already put him under pressure.
With the club looking to defend the MTN8 and challenge for the league, Ouaddou needs his players to turn the corner. On Saturday, the Buccaneers host Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final.
Orlando Pirates coach feeling pressure from fans
“I can understand our fans because they love the club, everywhere in the country and in Africa, they are passionate people and they are the 12th man,” Ouaddou said as per FARPost.
“So in every club in Africa, when you start the way we started, there’ll be disappointments, but we can promise them that we’re going to bounce back.
“We’re going to sweat on our shirts to represent the badge very well in the right way in order to bring them happiness; it’s only the beginning,” said the Orlando Pirates coach.
The Buccaneers have won three MTN8 titles in a row under Jose Riveiro. Ouaddou’s first mission is to defend the trophy but failure to do so could see more supporters calling for his head. The coach has promised Orlando Pirates faithful that he will turn the corner, but with three matches played, the team doesn’t look like they can compete against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Will Pirates turn the corner against Downs on Saturday?
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