Ouaddou: It is a pleasure to play in the MTN8

August 20, 2026

by Benjamin Nyirenda

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says it is a pleasure to compete in the MTN8 as the Buccaneers prepare to defend their title against Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the semifinals.

Pirates, who are the defending champions, will face Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday in what is expected to be a tough away fixture.

Speaking to journalists at the MTN headquarters in Johannesburg on Thursday afternoon, Ouaddou praised the organisation and professionalism around the competition, saying it shows how seriously the tournament is taken.

“Yes, about the game, first of all, it is really a pleasure to play in this competition, especially when you see the organisation and professionalism around it. I can tell you that everybody is taking it seriously. First of all, us as clubs, but I can also see that the whole ecosystem is taking it seriously. The beauty of this competition is that, normally, we call it the Super Cup — the champion of the league against the champion of the national cup in every country. But in South Africa, we put our title on the table. There are eight teams,” Ouaddou told the media.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou during a match at the Orlando Stadium; **Photo: Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu**

The Moroccan-born coach added that Pirates will have to fight hard if they want to keep the trophy.

“Again, you have to fight. I think it is just fantastic. The game will not be easy because we are playing the first game away against a very good Sekhukhune United team. If we look at the history of the games, we know that matches against Sekhukhune United are always difficult, especially when we play on a small pitch. But for us, definitely, we want to keep this title. We know that we have two games, and we just want to focus now on the MTN8. We will have time to focus on the league game step by step. Definitely, we want to go there and get a result with a lot of ambition. At the same time, it is a game that we have to play very cleverly. When you play two games like that, you need to be very smart because we still have another game at home,” Ouaddou said.

Pirates have won the MTN8 a record four times in a row and are now aiming for a fifth consecutive title.