Pirates coach Ouaddou makes bold claim ahead of ‘spicy’ Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made a bold claim regarding what he describes as a “spicy” Soweto Derby, while offering a wary assessment of rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Ouaddou’s troops host Amakhosi in a sold-out, much-anticipated Betway Premiership clash this Sunday at the iconic FNB Stadium. With the eyes of the nation fixed on the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue, South Africa is set to be divided for 90 high-stakes minutes.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 CAT, with three crucial points and ultimate bragging rights on the line. Currently locked in a heated title race with Mamelodi Sundowns, a victory for the Buccaneers would see them open a four-point lead at the summit—though Sundowns would still hold two games in hand.

On the other hand, Chiefs in third place, will be eager to rectify the mistakes of their previous meeting in February, where they were hammered 3-0. The Glamour Boys are looking to spoil the party and extend their unbeaten run to seven matches, having secured five consecutive wins before a 1-1 draw against Polokwane City FC in their last outing.

Pirates Coach Ouaddou Insists Soweto Derby Ranks Among World’s Best

🏴‍☠️ “𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲!” | 𝐒𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞! 🌶️⚽️

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou isn’t holding back ahead of one of the most anticipated dates on the football calendar.

Describing the upcoming Soweto Derby as “spicy,” Ouaddou acknowledged… pic.twitter.com/tZFpRnF4Yo

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) April 25, 2026

Reflecting on the stature of the fixture, Pirates coach Ouaddou insisted the game ranks among the elite derbies in world football.

“The Soweto Derby is a little bit more spicy than other games because of its magnitude,” Ouaddou said during the Soweto Derby presser most recently. “The target and spirit of the team must be the same, but perhaps we upgrade our approach and attitude as the result is so vital.”

Ouaddou noted that he expects a much sterner test from a Chiefs side that has fortified its backline since their last encounter.”This is one of the biggest derbies in the world. The players are ready mentally and tactically; we know exactly what we want to achieve,” he added.

“It will not be easy, and we don’t expect an easy game just because we won the first round 3-0. Chiefs have been in great form since February and have one of the best defensive records in the league—the third-best, if I’m not mistaken. It means they are doing great work, but we are confident in our target to win by exploiting their weaknesses.”