Orlando Pirates' 1995 CAF Champions League hero yet to be convinced by Abdeslam Ouaddou despite recent resurgence and sets him a big target - 'He is not yet off the hook...that will be a big problem'

Orlando Pirates started the 2025/26 season with two Premier Soccer League defeats, but they have managed to pick themselves up to record three successive wins.

The first two league games saw pressure mounting on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has been trying to restore the fans' faith in him.

Despite recovering from the early PSL setback, the former Morocco international defender has managed to steer the Buccaneers into the MTN8 final, but former Pirates forward Jerry Sikhosana is not yet convinced by Ouaddou.

“Yes, Orlando Pirates have turned things around, they are doing well compared to when they started the league,” Sikhosana said as per Phakaaathi.
“They have now got three wins but for me the coach is not yet off the hook.  
“I think he still needs to work hard for them to do well in the MTN8 and to reach the final mounts more pressure on Ouaddou to give them what they want. Because the most goal is for Orlando Pirates to win the league.  
“So, I think that will be a big problem. Yes, they might be going well now, but I don’t think everything will be smooth as it is supposed to be," added the Buccaneers legend who scored the 1995 CAF Champions League-winning goal.
“Let’s hope the coach will realise that but for me Pirates have not yet been the consistent Pirates that was under Jose Riveiro.”

Next week's MTN8 final is a huge test for Ouaddou who would be keen to avoid the unwanted record of being the coach to break Pirates' run of three consecutive MTN8 titles.

This is after his predecessor Jose Riveiro guided the Buccaneers to three straight MTN8 trophies.

Also, when Pirates resume their PSL campaign, Ouaddou is hard-pressed to help them close in on leaders Sekhukhune United and rivals Kaizer Chiefs to boost the Sea Robbers' chances of winning the first league title since 2012. 

Pirates' clash with Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final is the second time for the two teams to meet this season after the Buccaneers edged the Cape Winelands side 1-0 in the league in August.

Interestingly, the two teams also clashed in the final of this top-eight competition last season with the Soweto giants emerging triumphant.