Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned his players against complacency as they prepare for the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against Lioli FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers hold a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead after dismantling the Lesotho side in Maseru last weekend, but Ouaddou insists the job is far from done. For him, the home fixture is less about survival and more about sending a strong statement of dominance.
“The Tie Is Not Over”
Many observers already consider the tie wrapped up, but Ouaddou is adamant that his players must treat the clash like a second half of the contest.
“This will be a very important game for us because a lot of people think we have already advanced to the group stages after our 3-0 win in the first leg,” Ouaddou said during Friday’s pre-match media briefing.
“But for me, this is the second half. We must respect the opponent, we must respect the competition, and above all, we must show our superiority in front of our supporters.”
Making a Statement
For Ouaddou, the focus is not just on qualification, but also on silencing critics who have labelled his players “overrated.”
“My players are not overrated. We are Orlando Pirates, one of the biggest clubs in Africa,” he said firmly. “I expect them to show that again on Saturday, to prove our level and our ambitions in this competition.”
The Moroccan coach urged the Ghost supporters to come out in numbers and create the intimidating atmosphere that has long defined Orlando Stadium on big continental nights.
“Our fans are the 12th man. Their energy lifts us, and we want to reward them with a dominant performance,” he added.
Mofokeng Concern
The only cloud hanging over preparations is the uncertainty around starlet Relebohile Mofokeng, who was absent from training earlier this week.
“I will have to speak to my medical team to check what is going on with Rele,” Ouaddou revealed. “He is an important player for us, but I cannot give a clear answer yet. We will have to wait for the medical update.”
The Bigger Picture
With their continental ambitions firmly in focus, Pirates know progression is non-negotiable. But Ouaddou has set the bar higher: dominate, control, and show the weight of the badge.
Anything less, even with a three-goal cushion, would fall short of the standard the Buccaneers demand of themselves.