Ouaddou returns to familiar territory as Pirates chase Champions League progress

ORLANDO Pirates will look to take another step closer to the CAF Champions League group stages when they face Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the first leg of their final preliminary round clash in Lubumbashi today at 3pm.

- SMISO MSOMI

ORLANDO Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou spent most of last year in the Democratic Republic of Congo, having been in charge of AS Vita Club.

(BackpagePix)

It's a trip that promises both intensity and intrigue for the Buccaneers, who enter the tie buoyed by their growing continental pedigree and a technical team that understands the demands of African competition.

For coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, this fixture carries added significance — not only as a test of his tactical acumen but also as a return to familiar territory. The Moroccan mentor spent most of last year in the Democratic Republic of Congo, having been in charge of AS Vita Club. That experience, he believes, could serve Pirates well as they aim to navigate one of Africa’s most challenging football environments.

“I just trust the work that I am doing, the values that I’m putting in my work, the love that I’m putting in my job, the love that I’m putting on my players,” Ouaddou said.