Ouaddou targets league and CAF Champions League glory with Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou has set his sights on two major trophies this season: the domestic league and the CAF Champions League. His team will also face three matches in seven days as it begins its MTN8 campaign.

Ouaddou outlined those ambitions at the MTN8 press conference, maintaining the bold approach he brought to the club last season. The former Morocco captain said he had already told his players during their first pre-season training in Spain that winning the league had to be the objective.

That stance marked him out from coaches who prefer to avoid setting firm targets early in their tenure. Ouaddou believes a coach must be prepared to state clearly that the purpose is to win, even when a squad may still require time or additions.

Pirates’ immediate schedule leaves little room for recovery or mistakes. The opening leg of their cup tie is followed by a league fixture at the Orlando Amstel Arena next Wednesday, before the return leg is played the following weekend. Ouaddou believes Pirates are capable of winning all three matches.

Attention has also turned to Sebastian Pedersen, the Norwegian striker recently brought to the club. Pirates supporters are waiting to see him make his debut, but the forward still needs to improve his fitness after spending two weeks in South Africa.

Ouaddou said Pedersen is being monitored by the club’s performance department as he adapts to a new team and country. The coach intends to manage that integration carefully rather than select him before he is fully ready, leaving the striker’s arrival as another part of Pirates’ preparations for the domestic and continental challenges ahead.