It is rare for a head coach to openly court the pressure of expectation ahead of South Africa’s biggest football fixture, but Orlando Pirates mentor Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he is embracing the ‘favourites tag’ for Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
The Buccaneers host Amakhosi for the first Betway Premiership Soweto Derby of the 2026/2027 season at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off at 15:30 CAT.
Both SA football giants enter the clash with momentum after impressive 3-0 victories in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday. Chiefs dispatched TS Galaxy, while Pirates brushed aside Milford FC to secure their respective quarter-final berths.
However, league form and recent pedigree paint a clear picture. Ouaddou led the Sea Robbers to their first league title in 14 years last season and remains unbeaten in the derby, having recorded a win and a draw in his two meetings with Chiefs.
Pirates currently occupy second place in the Betway Premiership standings with 22 points from eight matches—boasting an incredible record of seven wins and one draw. They trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by a single point, with a game in hand.
In contrast, Chiefs sit fifth in the table with 14 points, having endured a frustrating run of five draws before Tuesday’s cup triumph.
‘WE HAVE TO HAVE POSITIVE ARROGANCE’ – PIRATES COACH OUADDOU
Addressing the media at the Soweto Derby press conference at the SuperSport TV studios in Randburg on Thursday afternoon, Ouaddou insisted that, as reigning champions, Pirates cannot hide from expectations.
“It is another game. We didn’t lose last season [against Chiefs], but for me, what we achieved last season is in the past,” Ouaddou stated. “Well done to the boys, but we have to move on because football is always moving. It is a new season with new targets, and we have to plan properly for Chiefs. We need to have that positive arrogance.
“We have to accept this position of being favourites because we are the champions. We have to embrace it. But at the same time, we are playing against a team [Chiefs] with a new coach [Fernando Da Cruz].”
Despite accepting the favourites status, the Moroccan tactician warned against complacency, acknowledging the tactical shift Da Cruz has brought to Naturena.
“Yes, we are the favourites—clear favourites—but being favourites does not guarantee you a win,” Ouaddou cautioned.
“Chiefs have a new coach, new energy, and new ideas, and they are doing a good job. So it is up to us to come with a lot of energy, execute our plan, and deliver a good game of football for the South African fans.”
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