Ahead of the Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is claiming the favourites tag against Kaizer Chiefs, while refusing to let complacency set in.
The Soweto derby returns to the FNB Stadium on Saturday at 15:00 local time. Orlando Pirates go into it second in the Betway Premiership with 22 points from eight matches: seven wins and a draw. Kaizer Chiefs, for their part, have just changed coach.
Both teams come into the match on the back of 3-0 wins in the Carling Knockout Cup. Yet it is the Soweto club that heads in with the favourites label, a status its coach does not reject.
“We are the favourites — clearly the favourites”
The Pirates coach was first keen to dismiss any legacy from last season, during which his side remained unbeaten against the Chiefs. “It’s another match. We didn’t lose last season [against the Chiefs], but for me, what we achieved last season now belongs to the past,” he said, according to Dailysports.
Ouaddou goes further and takes on the favourites’ mantle without hesitation. “We have to accept this position as favourites because we are the champions. We have to own it. But at the same time, we are facing a team with a new coach,” he continues, to the same source.
The message hardens into a warning: “Yes, we are the favourites — clearly the favourites — but being favourites does not guarantee victory”.
Momentum to maintain
The Pirates beat Milford 3-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup, then African Stars 4-0 to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage, reports Afrik-Foot.
Ouaddou confirmed that Wednesday would be devoted to analysing the performance against Milford.
He also said, according to Afrik-Foot: “We don’t have time in football. If I’m waiting until December to improve these things, maybe it’s too late”.
Masilela likely, Chiefs under a new coach
On the squad front, Simphiwe Masilela should be available for the derby after being rested, according to Afrik-Foot. His presence is still to be confirmed.
On the other side, Kaizer Chiefs are now managed by Fernando Da Cruz. The derby will be played on Saturday 31 October 2026 at the FNB Stadium, at 15:00 local time.