Obdeslam Wade defends decision to continue supporting striker Yanelo Mbutumu

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Wadee stated that the players have fully embraced the pressure associated with being favorites, using it as additional motivation to prove that last season's success was not an accident.

This season, Pirates are considered a team everyone wants to beat because they are the reigning champions of two domestic cup tournaments—MTN8 and Nedbank Cup—and are aiming to reclaim the Betway Premiership title.

Since the team has not been in such a privileged and intense situation in recent years, the character of the squad will be tested, as they need to reach maximum playing level in all aspects from the very beginning.

Wadee expressed clear dissatisfaction with the start of play from some of his players who played for national teams, complaining that they were still in 'tournament mode' after participating in the World Cup with Bafana Bafana last month.

Some fans disagreed with Wadee's comments, prompting the Moroccan coach to respond that people 'should let him do his job.'

Thanks to his dissatisfaction transforming into strong on-field play—the team's 3-0 victory over Chippa United in the last league match, which allowed them to climb to first place in the table—it seems Wadee has achieved the desired rapport with his squad.

Nevertheless, Pirates have not convinced everyone, as Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Ekana stated that the team from Chloorkop remains the favorite in domestic football despite losing the title last season.

Wadee did not take these remarks to heart, viewing them as a stimulus. He believes his players have every reason to believe they can become national champions.

"It gives us motivation. Internal motivation, especially when you know you are where people want to beat you," Wadee said on Thursday afternoon at the MTN8 headquarters before the MTN8 semi-final first match against Sekhukhune United on Saturday afternoon at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium (at 15:00).

He added: "But more importantly, what attracts interest to the league is the uncertainty of who will win it at the end of the season. That is what brings people to the stadium."

Wadee recounted that last season he told the players: "It won't be easy." He noted that many considered him arrogant when he stated during the first training session that they would win the league. He mentioned that many coaches come and make excuses, saying: "I need time and players." However, sometimes you need the courage to say: "I am here to win the league." Interest is needed.

"It won't be easy. But we will do everything to win the league and the Champions League. If you come here and play modestly, what are you defending? If you lose three or four matches, you will be kicked out. Be ambitious with your players and give them hope."

Pirates' search for dominance on the local arena continues with the defense of the MTN8 title, as they aim for a record fifth consecutive trophy. However, Wadee does not attach too much importance to past success.

"Although we performed well last season, every season is different," Wadee observed. "I don't live in the past; I live in the present... This is a new season. There are many expectations."

"I already told my players that we had a chance to wear the suit, shirt, and tie and look good. Now we must put on the tracksuits, work, and strive to achieve our goals. We have many goals, including MTN8."

He emphasized that MTN8 is one of the best continental tournaments, which is well-organized and generates great interest. He also noted that it will not be easy because people will pursue the team and want to win.

Starting the title defense on a high note, Pirates move on to the upcoming semi-final first match against Sekhukhune in Polokwane, striving to maintain their momentum. Wadee revealed what his team needs to improve before the next match.

"I still think we need more control," he stated. "Of course, we are winning, but I am not satisfied until we dominate the game the way I want—controlling possession and scoring goals. I like clean sheets and goals scored."

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Waddu stated that the main principle of the approach to the MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United must be 'insightful and intelligent' tactics.

This match is the first game of the two-legged semi-final and is scheduled for Saturday in Polokwane. The first encounter will take place at the small Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 15:00.

Waddu noted that the team strives to achieve a positive result with great ambition, but stressed that the game requires a very well-thought-out approach. He said: 'When you play in these two matches, you need to be very smart.'

The Moroccan coach, who has won three titles, added that he enjoys participating in this tournament because all participants take it seriously. He believes that participation in the cup helps the team maintain stability at the beginning of the season. He also mentioned that, unlike some countries, the competition in South Africa is among the top eight teams, which he finds fantastic.

The Pirates team is once again staking its title, aiming to win it for the fifth consecutive time since 2022. The team's ability to adapt will be tested as they actively fight to retain the league title and aim to win a second continental star in the CAF Champions League.

The small Old Peter Mokaba Stadium becomes another factor that needs to be skillfully and intelligently considered. Waddu acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming game, as they are playing away against a strong Sekhukhune side. He added: 'We know it will be difficult, especially on a small pitch, but yes, for us we definitely want to keep this title. We know we have two matches. Right now we just want to focus on MTN8 (the first match) and we know we have time to focus on the league. Step by step.'

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.