Marumo Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has sent a strong message to Orlando Pirates after being drawn against the Soweto giants in the Nedbank Cup semifinals.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa secured a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over second-tier league side Durban City FC, following a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of play on Sunday afternoon at Chatsworth Stadium in KZN.
This match concluded the weekend’s Nedbank Cup quarterfinals fixtures, as the Buccaneers and Kaizer Chiefs had already confirmed their places in the semifinals with wins against SuperSport United and Stellenbosch FC, respectively. The match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, on the other hand, was postponed.
While addressing the media following the Nedbank Cup draw on Sunday, Ouaddou expressed a degree of disappointment that their semifinal match would be played away at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
He stated they had hoped to host any team they were drawn against in Bloemfontein. Nevertheless, Ouaddou affirmed their desire to produce another upset, having beaten the Sea Robbers 2-0 in the Betway Premiership a week ago.
MARUMO GALLANTS COACH ON WHAT ‘DISAPPOINTED’ HIS TROOPS AFTER NEDBANK CUP DRAW
“I think my players were disappointed, not about the draw, not because we were drawn against Pirates, but they wanted to play at home,” said Ouaddou.
“That’s why they were disappointed. But there are no easy games. We will play outside [away from home]. We will try to make a surprise again or to surprise people again.”
Pirates are aiming for a three-peat, chasing their third straight Nedbank Cup title after winning the last two editions.
The former AS Vita coach vows to stop Jose Riveiro’s side from advancing, promising a “hard time” for the Soweto giants.
OUADDOU ON PIRATES – ‘WE WILL GIVE THEM A HARD TIME’
“I’d like to stop them [from winning three-peat],” he added. “But this is football. I can promise you that we will prepare well and try to give a very good show for the fans most importantly.
“We will try to go and win that game because when you play or reach the semifinals, the goal is to go to the final. We will give everything and give them a hard time as well.”
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