‘We have a title to defend’ – Abdeslam Ouaddou | OneFootball

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Ouaddou hell-bent on defending Bucs' MTN8 title

Photo: Zakes Photography

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the Bucanners will go all guns blazing in a bid to defend their crown ahead of the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday (15h00).

The Soweto giants fought back to salvage a one-all draw in the first meeting between the two sides at a sold-out Orlando Stadium last Saturday. Masandawana head into the second stanza with a slight advantage, having scored the crucial away goal.

Now, the onus is on Pirates to turn the tie in their favor in the capital, as they look to continue asserting their dominance in the competition. The Sea Robbers have won the MTN8 title for three consecutive seasons, becoming the first club to achieve the feat in PSL history.

With the blockbuster match looming, the Moroccan tactician is upbeat about his side’s chances to reign supreme, stating that they have enough arsenal in their firepower to book a spot in yet another deciding match at the expense of Miguel Cardoso’s team.

“It’s a fantastic event again, we had a great game in the first leg, two important teams in the continent. I think the two teams played fantastic football in the first leg; we finished 1-1 but you know in cup games sometimes it’s a question of mentality,” said Ouaddou.

“We want to go to that game with a lot of ambition, I think we have the qualities to go and perform, and we have to be ready for that game.

While he is optimistic, Ouaddou acknowledges that walking away victorious away from home won’t be an easy task but reiterates that Pirates are ready to stand their own against Masandawana, with a spot in the final at stake.

“We know that it will not be easy because we don’t have home ground advantage, but we will try to find resources to pass through and we have a title to defend. Orlando Pirates have been winning this cup for [three years in a row], we will definitely go with the ambition to defend our title, and the boys are ready to perform and that’s it.