Abdeslam Ouaddou speaks about his pride in the Orlando Pirates players being selected for the national team! | OneFootball

Abdeslam Ouaddou speaks about his pride in the Orlando Pirates players being selected for the national team!

The South African national team's final squad for the upcoming AFCON tournament features a dominant contingent from a single club, with Orlando Pirates contributing a leading nine players. This selection underscores the growing influence of the Soweto-based side, a point of significant pride for their coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou.

With Mamelodi Sundowns' representation decreasing from eight players in the previous tournament to five this time, Pirates' contingent includes captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sipho Chaine, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Thalente Mbatha, and Sipho Mbule.

Speaking ahead of the Carling Knockout final, Ouaddou framed the numerous call-ups as a validation of the club's philosophy. "We are proud as a club. I’m proud as a coach of my players being so represented in the national team," Ouaddou stated. He reinforced the club's commitment, adding, "I told you before in some press conference that Orlando Pirates is a club that works for the nation. We’re available to the national team and to the national team coach for collaboration. So, of course, when we see such a number of players, we want to wish them all the best."

However, the Moroccan coach was quick to redirect focus to the immediate challenge facing his table-topping team. "But before the national team, we have a target this week," he cautioned, referencing the upcoming cup final against his former club, Marumo Gallants. "Of course, after that, we will wish them good luck for the upcoming AFCON."

Ouaddou emphasized the importance of the domestic cup, explaining his team's sequential approach to competitions. "The Carling Cup was a very important competition for us," he said. "The players and I and the staff were working to get results in the PSL, but at the same time, we had this target in the corner of our heads. So, it’s the moment. It’s the week. And now we are fully focused on this target to achieve this."