Abdeslam Ouaddou wary of Stellenbosch threat despite winning league meeting | OneFootball

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Ouaddou warns against complacency against Stellenbosch despite winning league encounter

Photo: Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is not taking Stellenbosch lightly ahead of the MTN8 final despite reigning supreme in their league encounter last month.

The Bucs mentor guided the Sea Robbers to their first Betway Premiership points of the season at the expense of Stellies after suffering defeats in first two league outings.

Now, the two teams are set to renew their rivalry in the top eight final, penciled in for Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 13 September, with kickoff scheduled for 18h00.

While many suggest Pirates have the upper hand courtesy of the league victory, Ouaddou poured cold water on those claims.

“Stellenbosch is well-known for many years now, it’s a very professional club, they have a vision, they are working well, they have good players and a good coach,” said the Moroccan tactician.

“So, the fact that we won the first game [in the league], doesn’t mean that we have to take it easy. It’s another game, it’s a final. Every team that reaches that stage means they have a lot of quality, and we believe in that [phenomenon], that’s why we are taking the event [final] very seriously.

“We are training, we are very focused, and what I can assure you is that we will be ready for that event. It will not be easy, but we will try to defend our title and to make our fans happy.

The Buccaneers head into the match as defending champions, having won the MTN8 title for three seasons in a row, while Steve Barker is determined to guide the Maroons to their first-ever triumph.