Pirates Coach Ouaddou Says Emotions Should Not Decide Soweto Derby

JOHANNESBURG – Both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs head into Saturday’s Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on the back of defeats in their Betway Premiership fixtures, setting up what is expected to be a tense and emotionally charged encounter.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has cautioned his players against letting emotions take over, warning them not to “play the game before the game.”

Speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, Ouaddou said the intensity of the derby must not overshadow the team’s tactical focus.

“I understand that in this kind of game, there are emotions, of course. But the emotions should not kill the challenge or the stage of the game. We are going to prepare the players mentally on how they want to achieve the game plan and how they want to play. It’s very important that mentally the players feel secure to deliver their qualities and show them on the pitch,” he said.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze ahead of the Soweto Derby

The former Fulham FC defender stressed the importance of staying present and not getting caught up in the occasion before kick-off.

“The worst is when you play the game before. If you play it before, in front of thousands of people, it cannot be good. Play on the day of the game and enjoy it because I think it’s one of the biggest events in Africa,” Ouaddou said, comparing the derby’s stature to clashes such as Al Ahly vs Zamalek, Raja Casablanca’s major fixtures and the DRC rivalry between Vita Club and TP Mazembe.

“What I want to say to my players is enjoy the moment, give your best and don’t be too emotional, because sometimes when you are too emotional, you risk losing control,” he added.

Saturday’s clash will be Ouaddou’s first Soweto Derby, and he will be seeking a positive result to keep the pressure on defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, with either a win or a draw keeping Pirates firmly in the title conversation.