Watch VideoAbdeslam Ouaddou reveals mental prep drove Orlando Pirates to Soweto derby success

Orlando Pirates reclaim the top spot after a historic 3-0 Soweto derby win. Coach Ouaddou credits “positive narrative” and video workshops for the Bucs’ clinical performance at FNB Stadium. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Orlando Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddourevealed that they held several meetings and video workshops with the team to help them prepare mentally for theSoweto derby, which is why they were the better side on the day.

Pirates outplayed arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3-0at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday night, resulting in them walking away with the country’s bragging rights and three invaluable points, which returned them to the summit of the Betway Premiership standings with 41 points. The Sea Robbers steered themselves to the victory with precision and calm. They made use of their chances, scoring the opener early in the fifth minute courtesy of Tshepang Moremi’s deflected effort, before going into the break with their tails up after a quick-fire team-effort resulted in Oswin Appollis extending the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Evidence Makgopa, from the bench, wrapped upthe win for the Bucswith a glancing header. This was Pirates’ heaviest victory over Chiefs in 25 years, and their fifth successive win in the derby in the league. With Pirates having at least five derby debutantes in the starting lineup – Moremi, Appollis, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Lebone Seema and Yanela Mbuthuma – Ouaddou revealed how they calmed their nerves and enhanced them to enjoy the game.

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“We spoke to the players in many meetings during the week to try and manage their emotions,” Ouaddou said. “We knew that for most of them, it was their first derby. It was important to work with them mentally.

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