Abdeslam Ouaddou makes bold admission on Orlando Pirates challenging Mameolodi Sundowns' PSL dominance - 'There’s a lot of pressure and expectations'

Mamelodi Sundowns have been dominating the Premier Soccer League, being crowned as champions for seven straight seasons.

This is something other PSL teams have been trying to break, including Orlano Pirates, who have been coming close.

The Soweto giants' coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, talks about his team's preparedness for the new season. 

“The boys are training very well, and we’re eager to kick off the PSL season,” said Ouaddou as per IOL.

“There’s a lot of pressure and expectations. All the teams are well prepared, but so are we. The support from our fans in the MTN8, and we hope they’ll be back to push us again. 

“We know it will be tough, there are no easy games in the PSL. They will come with ambition, but we’re ready," added the Moroccan. 

"Physically and technically, the players are prepared. Our confidence is at the top, and there’s a great vibe in the dressing room.”

The Buccaneers have finished as PSL runners-up in the last three seasons and are looking to do better than that.

Since 2012, they have not been crowned as the league's champions, something that places pressure on a club of their status.

Ouaddou will also be out to balance between domestic duties and the CAF Champions League.

The Soweto giants kickoff their 2025/26 PSL campaign by hosting tricky Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

They come up against Babina Noko who are high in confidence after reaching the MTN8 semi-finals by beating TS Galaxy last weekend.

It will be a match the Buccaneers would be keen on winning and avoid starting the season on the back foot.