Ouaddou braces for explosive MTN8 final between PSL’s powerhouses

It’s the league champions up against African champions, also recently crowned as the FIFA African-Asian Pacific champions. 

Ouaddou expects the two teams to live up to the expectations at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

"I think the two teams will come with a good mindset. I think we are in good timing, either for them, or for us. The two teams were doing well before the FIFA break, so yeah it's what I said,” Ouaddou said. 

“Hopefully we'll have a good game from two strong teams from let's say the two best teams in the country. If we can add Kaizer Chiefs as well but two strongest teams, two champions teams. 

“I think it will be important for us to give a good image to present a good face of Pirates. So, for me the match will be very important for the two teams."

READ: Mosimane positive reviews after fielding all 30 Bafana players

Pirates are going for their record fifth consecutive Wafa-Wafa title in a row. 

Pirates had seven players in the Bafana Bafana squad that’s returning tomorrow from Egypt, and they have all featured in the three matches under head coach Pitso Mosimane. 

Ouaddou says there’s no confusion when the players return to their club, in terms of how they apply themselves, emphasizing adaptation as the focal point.

"A professional player in his development has to adapt to different demands. If you go to the national team, there is maybe a different demand but at least we can see that the principles stay the same and for us, for the players who are in the national team, you know that they've been with us for a while,” the coach added. 

“Last season they played more than 30 games and the preparation at the beginning of the season. So, I think it serves the moment to integrate the principles, the game model, the ideas. 

“So, for me it's not really not a problem as long as they know exactly the demand of the coach. How we attack, how we defend and most importantly are the principles in the game. So, I'm not really worried about that."

Also, back at training for Pirates is midfielder Sihle Nduli, but he’s unlikely to be ready for the final as he’s still recovering from his injury and in the rehabilitation phase, according to Ouaddou.