Orlando Pirates face a hectic November, four matches in 24 days across two competitions. The Betway Premiership giants will need all hands on deck to keep their momentum going.
Following the CAF Champions League heartbreak against Saint-Eloi Lupopo, the Sea Robbers bounced back with real intent. The response was a stylish victory over Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals, before two statement performances against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side sit just three points behind the defending league champions, Sundowns and still have two games in hand. Add to that an eight-match unbeaten league run, with seven wins on the spin.
In 20 games played in all competitions this term, the Sea Robbers have scored 34 goals while only conceding 11 goals.
But November will stretch that confidence to the limit. Four games in less than a month, including a crucial cup semi-final, will reveal just how deep Ouaddou’s squad really is.
HERE’S HOW THE BUCCANEERS’ SCHEDULE LOOKS FOR NOVEMBER:
Saturday, 8 November – 15:00
Richards Bay FC vs Orlando Pirates [Carling Knockout Semi-finals)
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban.
Saturday, 22 November – 15:30
Orlando Pirates vs Chippa United [Betway Premiership]
Orlando Stadium, Soweto.
Saturday, 29 November – 15:30
Durban City FC vs Orlando Pirates [Betway Premiership]
Venue to be confirmed.
Should the Sea Robbers get the job done against Richards Bay on Saturday in the Carling Knockout semis, coach Ouaddou will be 90 minutes away from lifting his second title with Pirates after just 20 games.
His first trophy was the MTN8 title in September with a 3-0 win over Stellenbosch FC. The Wafa Wafa championship was not his first title. He lifted the DR Kongolesischer Pokalsieger with AS Vita in 2023/24.
Going into the next three weeks, the ambition at Pirates is clear. Lift another trophy and keep pressure on Sundowns at the top of the league.
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