Watch VideoAbdeslam Ouaddou oozes confidence Orlando Pirates will return to winning ways in the Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, during a press conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre, ahead of the much atincipated Soweto derby on Saturday. Resplendent in a sharp black suit and light-blue shirt, Abdeslam Ouaddou projected a calm figure ahead of what will be his biggest test yet in his reign as the coach of Orlando Pirates –the Soweto Derby. Ouaddou had a smart appearance that ditched his traditional baggy touchline attire – during the pre-match press conference for the highly sought-after clash with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec – which made him looked composed and assured.

The Sea Robbers’ coach did not even exchange pleasantries with his Chiefs’ counterpart, Cedric Kaze, by shaking his hand before the media engagement. He wore a broad smile, however, when the MC reminded himthat Mamelodi Sundowns had toppled Pirates from the top of the Betway Premiership standings. Given Pirates’ colourful start to the season – including winning a cup double, the MTN8 and Carling Knockout late last year – while they remain neck and neck with Sundowns on 38 points at the top of the log, Ouaddou’s confidence was understandable.

After all, the Moroccan has not been one to crack under pressure since arriving at Pirates. He silenced his detractors by going on a 14-game unbeaten run in the league after losing his first two matches. That’s why he seemed and sounded almost certain the Soweto Derby will serve asPirates’ major return to winning waysafter their last two setbacks: a defeat to Sundowns and a Nedbank Cup last-16 exit to lower-division side Casric Stars.