Ouaddou: Orlando Pirates have been preparing for Mamelodi Sundowns for two weeks

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed that the groundwork for Wednesday night’s blockbuster clash against Mamelodi Sundowns was laid well in advance, with his technical team already thinking ahead as far back as two weeks ago.

The stage is set at FNB Stadium, the Calabash hosting a clash rich in rivalry, ambition and meaning. 

Kick-off is scheduled for 7.30pm on Wednesday, a night where preparation meets pressure, and where Pirates believe they are ready.

Pirates head into the encounter sitting six points clear at the summit, a position that shifts the pressure firmly onto Sundowns, for whom this fixture represents a must-win if they are to keep pace in the title race. 

Yet, despite the looming significance, Ouaddou insists preparation has been measured rather than frantic.

“It was a while since we’ve been preparing for this game (against Sundowns), let’s say two weeks ago, we already started having the games in our mind,” said Ouaddou,  “Even though we were focused on the Nedbank Cup and the Gallants match as well.”

Both sides arrive in strong form. 

Sundowns come off the back of a confidence-boosting CAF Champions League performance, securing a quarter-final berth with a win over MC Alger, while Pirates maintained their domestic momentum with a convincing victory over Marumo Gallants. 

For Ouaddou, that rhythm has been key.

“We’ve prepared well, mentally, physically of course,” he explained. “We played a few days ago so now it’s only regeneration for our side and tomorrow we will go deeper in terms of tactical.”

What has stood out most for the Pirates coach, however, is the internal harmony within his squad.

In a season where consistency has separated contenders from pretenders, Ouaddou believes unity has been Pirates’ quiet strength.

“My players are ready, there’s a lot of trust, confidence and unity as well,” he said. “Something that speaks to us, something that has been with us since the beginning of the season.”

That sense of occasion is not lost on him either. Ouaddou framed the meeting not merely as a domestic heavyweight clash, but as a fixture carrying continental weight.

“You know that it’s one of the biggest Clasico’s in Africa,” he said. “We are not talking about this kind of game only in South Africa, we are talking about a game for the whole continent.”

For players and coaches alike, these are the nights that define careers. 

“I’m not saying the other games are not important,” Ouaddou added. “But especially these ones against Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, it’s a game that everyone remembers at the end of their careers.”

*Smiso Msomi is Independent Media's senior football reporter and host of the Monday Review on our YouTube channel The Clutch