Ex-Orlando Pirates forward Lehlohonolo Majoro has weighed in on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s chances of winning the much-anticipated MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday night.
In a repeat of last season’s MTN8 final, the Buccaneers will lock horns with Stellies at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. The match, set to kick off at 18:00, has already proven to be a massive draw, with tickets for the clash selling out just a day after they were released.
Pirates, the defending MTN8 champions, are on the brink of making history. They will be aiming for a record fourth consecutive title, a feat that would solidify their dominance under the guidance of coach Jose Riveiro.
Last season, the Sea Robbers clinched the MTN8 trophy after defeating Stellenbosch 3-1 in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, making them the first team to secure the cup three times in a row.
LEHLOHONOLO MAJORO ON WHETHER PIRATES WILL WIN MTN8 WITH COACH ABDESLAM OUADDOU
Majoro stated that Ouaddou and his players are highly motivated for the MTN8 final, driven by the desire to make history. He added that the new coach is determined to win the trophy to build his own legacy at the club.
“The thing is, being a coach of a team like Pirates, there are always expectations. We have seen what the previous coach has done; he has laid a strong foundation,” said Majoro in an interview with FARPost.
“Truth be told, it takes time for one to adjust to change. Be it a coach in a new environment, you need to be as impactful as the previous coach. You need to understand the players the same way that they understood the ‘Spanish Guitar.’ So, that on its own takes time.
“But I believe that Pirates know why they brought in the coach. I’m confident in their decision because we have seen glimpses of what the new coach can do. So, the stage is set for the MTN8, which Pirates have already won three consecutive times. They will want to win it for the fourth time, and the coach will want to be part of the history of Pirates winning it for the fourth time.
“Truth be told, we are playing football for legacy, and we are playing football to make history, so it’s going to be an interesting one.”
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