Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says they started preparing for their upcoming top of the table clash against Mamelodi Sundowns two weeks ago.
With Pirates holding a six point lead at the summit, it becomes a must-win fixture for Sundowns to keep the pace in the title race if they harbour ambitions to win nine consecutive league titles.
Sundowns will come in the game buoyed and with renewed vigour after sealing their spot in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over MC Alger this weekend, while Pirates thumped Marumo Gallants 3-0 to continue their impressive run of form.
“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, even though we were focused on the Nedbank Cup and the Gallants match as well,” Ouaddou said.
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“But we’ve prepared well, mentally, physically of course, 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. But my players are ready, there’s a lot of trust, confidence and unity as well.
“Something that speaks to us, something that has been with us since the beginning of the season and we’re ready impatient to play this game – this kind of games are special for the players, coaches and fans.
“You know that it’s one of the biggest Clasico’s in Africa – so you know that you are not talking about this kind of game in South Africa, we are talking about a game for the whole continent. So yeah – we’re really looking forward to playing this game and in the career of a player it’s important to play these games.
“I’m not saying the other games are not important but especially these ones against Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, it’s a game that everyone remembers at the end of their careers. So yeah, we can’t wait.”
Since losing their opening two games of the season, Pirates have won 12 games, with two draws, 25 goals scored and only five conceded overall in the league.
Their defensive prowess has been in particular, a highlight, and despite the mid-season transfer of Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Chicago Fire, club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has stepped in with aplomb, alongside Lebone Seema.
“There hasn’t been much training, it’s just been recovery as the coach has mentioned, we played a few days back, so for us it’s just to be fresh for the game on Wednesday and we’re looking forward to play it,” Sibisi said.
“We have played each other three times already this season, we know each other well so hopefully it’s going to be spectacle on Wednesday.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 19h30 at the Calabash on Wednesday, 18 February.
