Ouaddou Feels the Sting of Champions League Exit Despite Cup Final Berth
Although Orlando Pirates have reached the Carling Knockout final, coach Abdelsam Ouaddou admits he is still in immense pain after seeing his side crash out of the CAF Champions League — one of their key targets this season.
The Pirates were eliminated in the second preliminary round by St. Eloi Lupopo on penalties. After losing the first leg 3-0 away, they produced a spirited fightback to win 3-0 at home, forcing the match into a shootout.
However, penalties proved to be their undoing as the Congolese side — whose gamesmanship left much to be desired — held their nerve to dump the Soweto giants out of the competition.
The disappointment was evident throughout the Pirates camp, especially after the club had made great progress last season by reaching the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Pyramids.
Determined to go further this time, Pirates invested heavily in the transfer market during the off-season to strengthen their squad, but the dream was not to be.
Still, the Buccaneers reached the Carling Knockout final this past weekend after edging Richards Bay 1-0 at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
They will now face Marumo Gallants in the final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 6 December.
This marks Pirates’ second cup final of the season, having already lifted the MTN8 trophy in September. Yet, for Ouaddou, this success is not enough.
He insists the focus must now shift to chasing the biggest prize — the league title — which would truly satisfy both the club’s management and its passionate fans.
“You’re bringing up a subject that is, of course, very important for the club,” said Ouaddou.
“It’s very difficult because it was one of our main targets, but let’s see what the future holds.
“For now, we’re focusing on the league and the remaining competitions. We’re giving our best to stay in contention. The lights are still green for the other tournaments, and you can be sure the players and staff will give one hundred percent to achieve our goals.
“Of course, we cannot hide our disappointment about the Champions League exit because it was one of our key objectives. But let’s keep believing in that one star in the sky — you never know what the future might bring.”
Pirates, who last won the league title in the 2011/12 season, currently sit second on the Betway Premiership table with 22 points after 10 matches — three points behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two games more.
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