Ouaddou warns of Sekhukhune test as Pirates face MTN8 triple

Orlando Pirates will face Sekhukhune United three times in quick succession, beginning with their MTN8 semi-final first leg on Saturday. The match will be played at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The teams will meet again in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, before completing the sequence with the MTN8 semi-final second leg next Saturday. The schedule gives both sides little time between fixtures to change their approach or recover from what they learn in the previous meeting.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou recognises that repeated games against the same opponent can become more difficult. Each encounter gives the two teams another chance to analyse the other’s attacking patterns, defensive habits and possible ways to counter them.

Ouaddou said Pirates’ objective is to win all three matches, as victory remains the club’s target in every fixture. He also stressed that the MTN8 semi-final must be handled first, with the team preparing specifically for the opening leg before turning its attention to the league match.

The coach wants Pirates to arrive in Polokwane with a clear plan for attacking Sekhukhune, disrupting their organisation and defending against their threats. He said the squad must produce its best performance to secure a positive result in the first match of the tie.

The first leg will therefore set the initial tone for a demanding run between the clubs. Pirates must then manage the tactical adjustments that are likely to follow when Sekhukhune have had another opportunity to study them, while the two sides also prepare for the league meeting and the return semi-final.