Orlando Pirates coach appeals for calm ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns showdown

Ouaddou now faces his biggest test yet when they play Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final this weekend. 

Pirates have lost their first two matches of the season in the league, which has led to Ouaddou’s credentials being questioned by the fans. 

But this is his promise to the Ghost.

"I can understand our fans, they love the club, everywhere in the country and in the continent. They are passionate people, they are the 12th man and every big club in Africa of course when you start that way we can understand the disappointment but what we can promise them is that we are going to bounce back and we are going to sweat on our shirt to try to represent the badge very well in the right way in order to bring them happiness. It's only the beginning,” Ouaddou said.

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One of the leading questions about Pirates and Ouaddou as they start the new season, has been the sidelining of some of the key players from last season. 

Top goal scorers from last season, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thalente Mbatha, and Deano van Rooyen, are just some of these players. 

Ouaddou reiterates that he’s giving all the players a chance.

"Look, I already answered the question, we have a big squad, we have very good players. Everybody will be important this season, everybody will be very important. There is not a bad reason that they can answer to you. They are ready, they are performing and the time will come that we will use them and they will be able to perform for the club,” he added.

Giving an injury update, Ouaddou says only captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olisah Ndah, and veteran midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula are sidelined for this game.

"Most of the players are available, we have only Sibisi, we have Makhaula who is still coming back from his injury. We still have Ndah and most of the players are available."