Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has accepted the favourites tag for the upcoming Soweto Derby, but insisted it doesn’t give the Buccaneers the guarantee they will win.
Ouaddou’s men enter the game on the back of seven wins in their last eight games, with their only loss in 2026/27 coming in the MTN8 final.
They sit in second place on the log with 22 points from eight games, just one behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have a game in hand. Pirates also sit eight points ahead of their Soweto rivals, and have won six of the last eight derbies.
As a consequence, many see the Sea Robbers as favourites entering Saturday’s match, with Ouaddou openly accepting the tag but insisting his side still need to show up on the pitch.
“We didn’t lose last season. But what we achieved last season is in the past,” Ouaddou said.
“Well done to the boys, the club and the people who achieved all this things last season. But we have to move on. It’s another season, other targets, and we have to plan for that.
“We need to have this positive arrogance. We have to accept this position of favourites because we were champions and we have to accept it. But at the same time we play against new management…”
When interrupted asked whether he really openly accepts the favourites tag, Ouaddou didn’t shy away.
“Yes, we have to accept it,” he continued.
“To be favourites, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to win. Because I just explained it, there is a new coach, new energy, new things.
“It’s up to use to come with a lot of energy and try to give good football for South Africa.”