Pirates coach commends team for Carling Knockout title win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has commended the team’s hard work and determination following their Carling Knockout Championship victory.

The Buccaneers were crowned champions on Saturday after a stellar 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the final.

Since joining the team in June 2025 from Gallants, Ouddaou says it was important to build on the strong team culture and trust his players’ abilities.

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He faced heavy criticism after the team faced two opening defeats in the Premier Soccer League, but went on to secure two trophies – the MTN8 title and the Carling Knockout Cup.

He highlights the key roles of his technical team and staff in helping him make informed decisions.

“[They are] fantastic people, very highly qualified with very interesting ideas… there are a lot of people working to help me reach that performance,”he says.

Despite the league going on a festive break, Ouddaou says the priority has already shifted to the new year.

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“We have already started on the preparation for January, and we have a team that is capable of reaching the target. My only fears are the players from the national team, we hope they will all come back without any injury.”

To listen to Ouddaou in conversation with 947’s Robert Marawa, click the audio player below: