Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou preaches respect for Richards Bay ahead of Carling Cup semi-final

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side must remain humble, focused, and respectful when they face Richards Bay FC in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Buccaneers go into the clash on the back of a confidence-boosting win over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday — their latest in a string of strong domestic performances that have kept them among the most in-form teams in the country.

Pirates now sit in second place with 22 points from 10 games – three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns but with two games in hand.

Domestically, The Sea Robbers have been imperious in recent months, amassing an unbeaten 14-game run, one that has helped them go back amongst the title chasers in the league and secure some silverware in the process as well. 

Following on from a fine showing against Mamelodi Sundowns as well last week, it seems Pirates are almost unbeatable at the moment. 

Ouaddou, however, is refusing to get carried away. He knows that cup football often produces surprises and that Richards Bay, buoyed by home support and history, pose a real threat.

“For me, it’s very important we prepare well for the game, analyse the opponents, and respect all the teams,” said Ouaddou. 

“I think it will be a very tough game on Saturday. We are in Durban, so they’ll have a certain pride about them, especially playing against a strong team. They’ll want to make sure both KZN teams are in the final — all of those factors will count in this encounter.”

Richards Bay have proven a difficult opponent for Pirates in cup competitions before — most notably when they eliminated the Soweto giants from this very competition two years ago. 

That memory still lingers, serving as extra motivation for Ouaddou’s men to right that wrong.

“We know all of these teams want to play their best games against Orlando Pirates,” the Moroccan mentor added.

 “I had one of their players with me last year at Marumo, and he was also a Pirates player, so we know those kinds of things will play a part.”

Pirates may have struggled to find rhythm early in the season — particularly after their Champions League exit two weeks ago — but they’ve already tasted silverware this campaign, having lifted the MTN8 in September. 

The Soweto club now has its eyes firmly on another final, as they seek to add to their growing trophy haul under Ouaddou’s guidance.

“We’ve worked hard to build momentum again,” he said. 

“It’s about playing with discipline, commitment, and belief. Every competition matters for Orlando Pirates, and we will give everything to reach the final.”

With the Natal Rich Boyz equally determined to make history and the Buccaneers aiming for a second trophy of the season, Saturday’s clash promises intensity, drama, and high-quality football — the kind of semi-final the Moses Mabhida Stadium was made for.