Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu strengthens team preparation ahead of MTN8 title defense

Orlando Pirates advanced to the MTN8 semi-finals after defeating Durban City 2-1. The winning goal was scored by Gampani Lungu, who came on as a substitute in the 120th minute of the match held in Soweto.

The Orlando Pirates team must now face Sekhukhune United in the fight for their fifth consecutive MTN8 title. In the quarter-finals, they faced MTN8 debutants, Durban City, and the match went into extra time.

In another match, Sekhukhune United defeated the KwaZulu-Natal team AmaZulu 4-3, also requiring extra time to determine the winner. In the second semi-final, Mamelodi Sundowns will play against Golden Arrows, who beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at the FNB Stadium. The African champions Sundowns also overcame the resistance of Polokwane City 3-2, which also required extra time.

Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu does not accept risks and explained his player selection strategy, balancing the physical condition of the squad with the club's demands for success in MTN8. He faces the task of managing a squad that has undergone significant changes during the off-season.

Although some players still need time to gain form and adapt to the demands of professional football, the Moroccan coach insists that this will not happen at the expense of results. Waddu recalled the pressure he felt at the beginning of his first season when Pirates suffered a series of defeats.

After the victory over Durban City, he stated: 'We are not in a circus; we have a professional ecosystem here, there are many expectations. If you want to remind me of my first two games last season, do you think I was happy having eight bodyguards around me?'

This experience shaped his approach this season, and Waddu made it clear that he intends to select players who, in his opinion, give Pirates the best chance of winning. He added: 'I want to win, of course, I will play with the strongest team because the fans want to win this tournament, the club wants to win it, and I want to win it too, and it won't be easy.'

The Pirates coach also rejected the idea that players would be given opportunities simply because they needed game time. As competition for spots increases, he believes that performance in training and preparation should be the deciding factor for the starting lineup. He emphasized: 'I will always play with the strongest team, and the people who deserve to start will show me that in training and preparation.' He added: 'I don't hand out flowers [good signs] because when we lose three games, whose head is on the line?'

The Buccaneers will defend their Betway Premiership title while also participating in the CAF Champions League, making squad management critically important throughout the season. However, for now, the priority remains MTN8. After the tough test against Durban City, Pirates will now focus on the semi-finals, where Waddu must once again find a balance between maintaining momentum, managing the squad, and fielding a team capable of defending its title.

iol.co.zaAugust 3, 18:59

Orlando Pirates Head Coach Abdeslami Wadee Adopts More Patient Approach to New Players After Last Season's Mistakes

Abdeslami Wadee, the head coach of Orlando Pirates, stated that he is using a more measured approach to the start of the new season. He acknowledged that he learned lessons from the early difficulties of last season and is now treating the club's new acquisitions with more patience as the team begins another intense campaign.

During the transfer window, the team significantly strengthened its squad by signing at least nine new players. These players are preparing for participation in domestic tournaments and the CAF Champions League. Four of these newcomers debuted in Saturday's victory over the recently promoted Milford FC, having been introduced in the second half as Pirates sought to gain maximum points on the opening day of the Betway Premiership season.

This tactical approach differs from last season, when Wadee quickly integrated new footballers into the main squad after taking over from Jose Rivera. This rapid start led to difficult moments, as Pirates suffered two consecutive defeats in the first two league matches, which immediately put pressure on the new coach.

This time, the Moroccan specialist decided to ensure greater stability by giving new players time to adapt to the club's demands. Wadee noted: 'New players, you know, even I am learning; it is never too late to learn.' He added that last season he wanted to rush the integration of new players into the starting lineup, whereas this season he started with greater stability in the squad.

Wadee believes that the gradual inclusion of new footballers will allow them to have a greater impact as the season progresses. He emphasized that the new players bring additional energy and control to the game, especially when brought on in the second half. He expressed confidence that they will feature more frequently throughout the season.

The victory over Milford provided Pirates with an ideal start in defending their title, but Wadee realizes that the upcoming challenges will increase significantly. The team is now focusing on the MTN8 tournament, where it will begin defending its title against Durban City on August 8th at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Pirates has won this tournament for the past four seasons and intends to continue dominating it while balancing its ambitions in the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, and other cup competitions.

iol.co.zaJuly 31, 07:00

Orlando Pirates begin title defense as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for match against Kruger United

The Betway Premiership 2026/27 season kicks off this weekend. Last season's champions, Orlando Pirates, take to the field in unfamiliar conditions, while Kaizer Chiefs start a new campaign under a new coach.

Start of the Season and Tragedy

However, the start of the season is overshadowed by grief. The match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants was postponed following the tragic death of midfielder Jayden Adams, which affected the team's preparation for the season.

Orlando Pirates and Title Defense

At Orlando Stadium, Orlando Pirates are changing their role from hunters to prey. After ending a 14-year drought in the championship last season, the 'Bucaneers' open their title defense against recently promoted side Milford FC on Saturday.

Ahead of the upcoming clash, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou emphasized that his team cannot afford to dwell on past achievements. He acknowledged the pride in the success achieved after 14 years of waiting but added that new goals must be set as the new season has begun.

Speaking about his transition from an unknown specialist to the current PSL Coach of the Season, Ouaddou focused on maintaining the team's domestic dominance. He stated that individual play is important for the players, but the collective must remain ambitious and hungry for titles and competitions. His main motivation in football is winning and conquering trophies.

Kaizer Chiefs and New Plans

Expectations are also high in Soweto for Kaizer Chiefs as Fernando da Cruz prepares for his first official league match. The Amakhosi team will travel to Mbombela Stadium to face recently promoted Kruger United, aiming to convert encouraging pre-season results into three points in the opening game.

Da Cruz expressed satisfaction with his squad's progress after a demanding pre-season schedule that included a tour of Spain and a serious match in the Toyota Cup. He noted that the players' morale is very good, and although the season promises to be long and challenging, they are determined to start it on a positive note.

Since Chiefs have struggled to score goals in recent campaigns despite having a solid defensive structure, Da Cruz reported that implementing a flexible, modern attacking system remains his top priority. He stressed that the team is working on attack across the entire squad, not just forwards and wingers, paying attention to the transition moment in attack. He also warned that the players will need time to master the playing model, both offensively and defensively, and they aim to become a team capable of playing in various styles of football.