Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is not one to involve himself in national team matters because he knows just how important duty is for international players.
The 2025/26 treble winners have had a bumper-to-bumper start to the current campaign involved in the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds, the Betway Premiership where they are unbeaten after seven rounds and occupying second place with 19 points, a point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have played a game more.
- ALSO READ: Ouaddou On Mbuthuma’s Bafana Call-Up
- Breaking: Pirates Star Replaces Chiefs Man In Bafana Camp
Pirates are also in the MTN8 final against Sundowns which will be contested on 10 October, just six days after the international friendly against Egypt, a match preceded by 2027 AFCON Qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. The Buccaneers have six players in the Bafana squad.
Ouaddou was asked if he has made any arrangements with the South African Football Association (SAFA) to have his players back early for some rest, considering the Wafa-Wafa final, but the coach said he doesn’t involve himself in that, saying the players will be with the squad for the time they have been called for and treat matches with respect.
“I’ve been an international for 13 years, playing four African Cups,” said Ouaddou.
“So, when it’s time to wear the international uniform for the country, to represent the country, it’s time to go to represent your country. It’s like when the army calls somebody to defend the country. It’s time and I don’t have nothing to do about that.
“I just have to release them to give the best for South African football and to respect the SAFA, to respect the competition. Of course, these players will not have rest but it’s the job of when you are an international. We cannot choose.
“It’s time to go to compete for your country. It’s time to go to represent your nation. It’s time to go to represent your people, and you have to be proud.
“And even if you are tired, you don’t have to feel the tiredness because you are going to represent your people. It’s like when you are a soldier.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.