Watch VideoNo Orlando, no problems for Orlando Pirates as Ouaddou embraces stadium switch for Mamelodi Sundowns clash

The massive first v second clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns has been moved to the FNB Stadium this Wednesday. Bucs Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is ready for the “fantastic spectacle” in front of a capacity crowd. Photo: Backpagepix With first place meeting second on Wednesday night in Soweto, Orlando Pirates will stage their blockbuster league encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns away from their traditional home, opting for the grand scale of FNB Stadium instead of the more intimate Orlando Amstel Arena (kick-off 7.30pm).

For Pirates head coachAbdeslam Ouaddou, the shift in venue is largely symbolic rather than tactical.The Moroccan tactician played down any perceived home-ground disadvantage, choosing instead to focus on the purity of the contest. For Pirates head coachAbdeslam Ouaddou, the shift in venue is largely symbolic rather than tactical. The Moroccan tactician played down any perceived home-ground disadvantage, choosing instead to focus on the purity of the contest.

“For me, a field is a field for as long as the grass is green and it respects the norm of Fifa,” Ouaddou said on Monday. Pirates are accustomed to the tight confines and emotional closeness of Orlando Stadium, but Ouaddou believes scale can work in their favour. “If we have a good and wide pitch, we are at home everywhere in South Africa,” he added.“For me it will be fantastic game for the fans.” “If we have a good and wide pitch, we are at home everywhere in South Africa,” he added. That sentiment extended beyond tactics to the broader responsibility of the league.Ouaddou welcomed the move as a statement decision, one that prioritises supporters and the spectacle of South African football’s fiercest rivalry.