Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou in not underestimating Marumo Gallants ahead of the two-sides’ clash in the Carling Knockout final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
The former Moroccan international took the reins at Gallants in February, guiding the team to safety and retaining their status in the Betway Premiership. Many credit his work at the Bloemfontein-based team for landing him the head coach position at Pirates.
The two sides have already met this season, with Gallants handing Pirates their second league loss of the season in matchweek two in August, winning 2-1 at home.
“It was our second game when we went to Marumo [Gallants]. I was not surprised about the way they played because I was coached there and I think something that they picked up from what I have led there is the unity, the same spirit and I felt that they still have that,” said Ouaddou, speaking ahead of the final.
The 47-year-old was full of praise for new Bahlabane Ba Ntwa boss Alexandre Lafitte, who took the reins at the start of the season.
“Last season when I came in February and I had to deal with the players that we had but what I can say is that he is doing a good job. He is a young coach but we have talented coaches as well in our continent, in South Africa especially.”
Ouaddou has enjoyed his time at the Buccaneers so far as they sit top of the league and have already claimed silverware this season, winning the MTN8 for a fourth consecutive season. Under his guidance, the club has lost only two games domestically, but crashed out of the CAF Champions League in the second preliminary round.
“Like I told you, first of all I am enjoying the moment here [at] Orlando Pirates. I am enjoying to be coach of such good players. Every morning when I wake up and come to work I am the happiest coach. It is not an easy position when you come to coach such a big club. You have a lot of expectations but to be honest I am very happy,” Ouaddou said.
The Buccaneers head into the clash as favourites despite their earlier loss to Bahlabane Ba Ntwa and will be looking to lay their hands on the domestic cup that has evaded them the longest.
Pirates reached the final in back-to-back seasons but fell short in 2010/11 before claiming the title in the 2011/12 season.
