Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou described his first taste of the Soweto Derby from the dugout as “spicy” after guiding his side to a memorable victory over Kaizer Chiefs.
Speaking after the high intensity encounter, Ouaddou underlined the magnitude of the occasion, insisting the spectacle transcended domestic rivalry.
“It’s an important game for the fans, it’s two big clubs, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, among the biggest clubs in Africa, so today you can say it wasn’t only a Soweto Derby, it was like a Champions League game today,” he said.
For Ouaddou, who once experienced fierce contests as a player, the derby carried a different weight from the technical area. He admitted that leading the Buccaneers against their historic rivals brought a unique rush, blending tactical responsibility with the emotional charge that defines one of Africa’s most iconic fixtures.
He reflected on the contrast between his playing days and his current role, noting that while stepping onto the pitch demanded personal performance, orchestrating from the sidelines required composure and strategic clarity. Yet the passion, he suggested, remains unchanged.
With victory secured in his first derby at the helm, Ouaddou’s tenure with the Buccaneers has begun with a statement result, one that not only delighted supporters but also reinforced the scale and prestige of the clash between two continental giants.
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