Ouaddou urges humility as Pirates close in on another trophy

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called for humility and patience after his side reached the Carling Knockout Cup final with a narrow 1-0 win over Richards Bay at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Moroccan tactician, who has already delivered the MTN8 title this season, is now on the brink of claiming a second domestic trophy — yet he insists it’s far too early for self-reflection.

“I think it’s too soon to summarise my time so far at Orlando Pirates, I’ll be judged at the end of the season,” Ouaddou said after the match.

“I’m still in the beginning. In the job, you have to be very humble. I think the ambition we have is to deliver in every game a good performance.”

That calm and calculated tone has become the hallmark of Ouaddou’s reign. Despite Pirates’ growing success in domestic cup competitions, the coach refuses to be swept up in early praise, choosing instead to emphasise growth, consistency, and focus.

“It’s what we did today and three days ago (against Golden Arrows). The boys are doing a great job since three, four months. But for me, let’s say if you ask me that question at the end of the season, I’ll be able to answer you. It’s too soon, let’s stay humble and keep on working,” he added.

For all their success, Ouaddou and Pirates have not been without setbacks.

The shock elimination from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Congolese outfit St Eloi Lupopo remains a sore memory for the club, one that the coach openly admits was a major disappointment.

“It’s very difficult because it was something that is important for the club, it was one of our priorities,” he said.

“Right now we are focused on the league, we are also focused on the rest of the competitions that we’ll try and give our best to win them. The lights are still green for the other competitions and you can be sure the players and the staff will give 100% to reach this target.”

Pirates have since filed formal complaints to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding matters surrounding that elimination, with faint hopes that developments off the field could see them reinstated in the competition.

Ouaddou, however, is careful not to place his faith in administrative outcomes, saying instead that the team must keep working and believe that “one star might still align” in their favour.

“Of course, you cannot hide this disappointment because it was one of our targets,” he said. “But let’s believe on that one star — we don’t know what will happen.”

As Pirates prepare for another domestic final, Ouaddou’s message remains simple yet powerful: stay grounded, keep improving, and let the season tell the full story. Under his leadership, the Buccaneers appear to have found that balance — ruthless on the field, but humble in spirit — a combination that could yet define their campaign.