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Ouaddou: Pirates coach unfazed by rivals in three-horse title race

The Mercury

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February 02, 2026

ABDESLAM Ouaddou is not a coach easily rattled. So convinced is he by his tactical blueprint and the environment he has built at Orlando Pirates that the progress of their rivals barely registers on his radar.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Ouaddou has gone about his business effectively at the Sea Robbers since the start of the season, despite it being only his first campaign at the club and just his second in the PSL top flight.

Pirates are one game away from reaching the halfway mark of the Betway Premiership.

Such has been the progression of the team, the notable synergy among the players, and the coaching strategy, that they are tipped to knock Mamelodi Sundowns off their perch and end a 14-year title drought.

They still face competition from both Sundowns and their sworn enemies, Kaizer Chiefs, who are flanking them in first and third place on the log, respectively.

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