Orlando Pirates head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has suggested that it’s the club’s duty to support Bafana Bafana as Pirates’ Bafana contingent continue their fine form this season.
The squad that participated in Bafana Bafana’s final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers contained seven Orlando Pirates, with Relebohile Mofokeng missing out due to injury, having been included in the initial list.
“I think, as Orlando Pirates, one of the biggest clubs in Africa and one of the biggest clubs in the country, we have the duty to be close to the national team, and it’s important because we are doing the same job. Of course, we are working for the club, but the club is working for the nation as well, for the country,” said Ouaddou.
Bafana Bafana secured qualification for their fourth World Cup, with the 2026 edition being their third participation via the qualification route, as the 2010 World Cup was hosted in South Africa.
“You are proud when you have such players who are performing for the national team. I always said that, I said to my players before leaving, leaving for the national team, and we have won the game, and the next day they go into the national team. I said, Guys, you did well for your club, very good, but now your nation is calling you. I am expecting you to give the same performance for your country, and they did well,” added the Moroccan.
The Pirates mentor also spoke glowingly of Hugo Broos, recalling his interaction with the Bafana Bafana head coach.
“We are working closely, and I had the opportunity to speak with the coach of the national team, he’s a fantastic guy, he loves the country, and I’m at his disposal when he needs to talk about the players and to give him the feedback, the club is open as well, about with the medical department, we are at the disposal of the national team,” added Ouaddou.
South Africans will hope that the relations between Pirates and the national team remain positive, both on and off the pitch.
The former Marumo Gallants coach also opened up about his side’s busy schedule after their 1-0 home win against Polokwane City, as they head into a decisive clash against FC Saint Eloi Lupopo, from the DRC, in a must-win CAF Champions League Second qualifying round encounter at Orlando Stadium on Saturday [15:00].
“It was important to give a chance to all the players. It was the moment we are playing in many competitions, and of course, we respect all the teams, and we put all fit players, who can give me an answer about what I’m expecting today,” said Ouaddou.
It remains to be seen whether Pirates’ squad rotation pays any dividends, as Ouaddou already has one trophy under his belt, in the form of the MTN8.
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