Abdeslam Ouaddou demands a big performance after intensive build-up to Sundowns

A win for Pirates against Sundowns tonight could see them go nine points clear at the top after 17 matches played, although the Brazilians would still have a game in hand.

In recent weeks, Pirates had other matches in between, but Ouaddou says this game has never left their minds.

"We have been preparing for this game for a while now. Let's say about two weeks ago we already started having this game in the back of our minds, even though our focus was on the Nedbank Cup as well as the league game against Marumo Gallants.

"But my players are ready. I think there is alot of trust, confidence and unity among us. These kind of games are special for the players, coaches as well as our fans," said Ouaddou

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In the corresponding league fixture, Pirates beat Sundowns 2-1, with Relebohile Mofokeng’s early brace playing a big part in that result. The Bucs are now on an 11-game winning streak at home in all competitions this season. Ouaddou is the first ever coach in PSL history to oversee 11 consecutive home wins across competitions for a single club. The former Moroccan international captain says his players deserve all the credit.

As the Bucs look to extend their lead at the top, Ouaddou has also spoken about what they need to do as a team to consolidate their place at the summit of the log.

"First of all, you need to have a lot of humility and not to forget where we were at the beginning of the season. Once you have that humility, you appreciate being in this position and you keep putting in the effort to stay there. It is very important."

With the big clash against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby still to come next week, there’s been a strong suggestion that, should Pirates win both games, they would be very close to clinching their first league title in 14 years. But Ouaddou is not thinking that far.