Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has issued a stern warning to his squad after drawing new Betway Premiership side Milford FC in the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16.
Pirates, who enter the tournament as defending champions, learned their fate following the official draw held in Fourways on Wednesday night.
The Soweto giants have been drawn against the KwaZulu-Natal outfit in a home tie at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with the exact date and kick-off time set to be confirmed by the Premier Soccer League [PSL] in due course.
The Buccaneers will be eager to launch a strong defence of their Carling Knockout crown, particularly after missing out on the MTN8 title to Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend. That 2-0 defeat at the Moses Mabhida Stadium ended Pirates’ remarkable four-year reign as MTN8 champions, leaving them focused on competing across four major fronts in the 2026/27 campaign: the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, Carling Knockout, and Nedbank Cup.
WHAT OUADDOU SAID ABOUT FACING MILFORD IN THE CARLING KNOCKOUT CUP
Reacting to the draw, Ouaddou cautioned that Milford FC will present a formidable challenge. The Moroccan tactician pointed to their season-opening league encounter, where Pirates secured a 2-0 victory, as evidence of the test awaiting his side.
“Before speaking about defending the title, I would like to thank the organisers [of the Carling Knockout Cup]. It’s always a pleasure and a fantastic competition to play,” Ouaddou said.
“I really like the innovation of creating the bridge between fans and the clubs. I think it’s really a good idea. As for the game, I think the advantage and the positive is playing at home. Playing in front of our fans is an advantage, but it will be a difficult game. If you remember when we played Milford in the first game of the season, I said that not many teams are going to beat them.
“So I think they have a lot of confidence; it’s a well-coached team, they are disciplined and organised, and they can run as well. So it will not be an easy game.”
Having lifted the Carling Knockout trophy during his debut season at the helm, Ouaddou will be determined to retain the silverware while continuing Pirates’ pursuit of success on multiple fronts.
In his stellar maiden campaign after taking charge in July 2025 following his departure from Marumo Gallants, the former defender guided the Sea Robbers to an impressive domestic treble, claiming the Betway Premiership, MTN8, and Carling Knockout Cup titles.
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