Abdeslam Ouaddou not distracted by looming Soweto derby, focuses on Casric | OneFootball

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Casric first, derby later, says Ouaddou

Photo: Nokwanda Zondi/ BackPagePix

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is not distracted by the looming Soweto derby, and insists his immediate focus is on Casric Stars.

The Buccaneers will welcome the Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit at the Orlando Amstel Arena for a Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash on Saturday (18h00).

With the highly-anticipated tie against fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs expected to set the tone in the Betway Premiership title race, Ouaddou affirms he has set sights on claiming Casric's scalp at this stage.

“Let's say that for me the most important [thing] now is Casric Stars. If I start to think and prepare the game of Kaizer Chiefs, that will be very important as well, I think we will start to underestimate Casric Stars - we don't want this,” said the Bucs mentor.

"And game by game, we want to focus on the cup because the Nedbank Cup is a very important challenge for the club and for us. So, we don't want to mix the things, we are going to prepare very well that game which will not be very easy. Afterwards, we will have time to think for that important game that will count for the title race.

The former Morocco international warned against complacency, noting their opponents' exploits in the second-tier this season, as they continue their quest for promotion to the topflight.

“We know that Casric Stars is a very competitive team in the championship that they are playing. I think they are fourth in the league table, they scored 20 goals I think, they conceded 15 goals. So, it means that it's a team that has some qualities,” Ouaddou added.

"But for us, of course, it’s important to take seriously that game. I always say there is no more small teams especially in the cups, a supposed small team can challenge you if you don't put the effort, if you don't put the commitment and the seriousness that the cup needs.

"Of course, we are going to play at home, I think it's an advantage but we have to prepare well. We are looking [forward] to play that game. We are lucky to play quickly [after defeat to Sundowns], very important to have the games and the opportunity to be on the track quickly.