Orlando Pirates ready to sweat for Betway Premiership Glory

Speaking to SABC Sport during the launch of the new league season yesterday, the former Moroccan international captain acknowledged the high expectations surrounding his team after several seasons of falling short in the title race.

The Buccaneers have brought in significant reinforcements ahead of the new campaign, with 12 new quality signings bolstering the squad.

Ouaddou says they will sweat blood this season to make their fans happy.

"Myself, the club, and the players cannot hide our ambition. When you are a part of Orlando Pirates you have a responsibility to bring happiness to the people.

"I can promise the fans that our team will sweat in order to make the fans happy," announced Ouaddou. 

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Pirates are brimming with flair and creativity, boasting the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, and Sipho Mbule among their ranks.

These are players capable of turning a game on its head in an instant.

For coach Ouaddou, the key isn’t to cage their natural brilliance, but to channel it.

"You have to be a happy coach if you have such talented players in your squad. It can be difficult to choose an Orlando Pirates starting eleven, but it is a good headache to have.

"I don't want to limit the player's style because it is a crime if you don't allow the players to express their creativity."

The Buccaneers will begin their new Premiership campaign this weekend against a stubborn Sekhukhune United side, and both teams had a good start to the new season in last weekend’s MTN8.

Ouaddou says this was a perfect start for his team, and it sets the tone for the new season, as he reiterates that his goal is not to overhaul the team’s approach.

Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza usually has a special message for coaches and players who join the club, on how their lives would be changed by this move.

For the former Marumo Gallants head coach, the focus is on getting everyone associated with the team to work extra hard this season.