Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the importance of the Soweto derby goes beyond South Africa as pressure builds on both sides ahead of Sunday’s clash.
The fixture arrives at a key stage of the season, with Pirates still in the title race and five matches remaining in the Betway Premiership.
Ouaddou said the occasion carries global attention and added weight for his players.
“It will be important. You are not playing only the derby. The players have in their minds the history and the legacy,” he said.
“It is one of the best games in Africa, not only in South Africa. This game is watched by people all over – in Africa and in Europe. I can tell you that many people are asking about this game, even from France, England and the USA.”
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He stressed that the scale of the match demands the same level of preparation as any other key fixture.
“For us it will be very important to prepare well. Since the beginning of the season, we have focused on how we want to compete and how we want to play our games, whether home or away, to win them,” he said.
“We are not going to change our fighting spirit. We know the target we want to achieve at the end of the season, and we are giving all our effort and commitment every day to reach it.”
Last time out in the Soweto Derby:
Kaizer Chiefs 0-3 Orlando Pirates
How will it end this Sunday? #SSDiski | #ChooseASide pic.twitter.com/WVPT7jtrWS
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 22, 2026
The scale of the fixture increases the expectation on both sides.
“It is not a normal game. It is one of the biggest in the world. We need players to be focused and to give their best for the fans,” he added.
“We have a responsibility to deliver a good performance.”
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Ouaddou also confirmed he has a fully fit squad available, creating selection challenges ahead of the match.
“We have to manage the group and keep the right atmosphere. It will not be easy because I have very hungry players,” he said.
“It is the first time I have seen the physio room empty. Everybody is ready to play, so we have to make some tough decisions.”
With a full stadium expected, he emphasised the need for composure.
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“When you are playing in front of 90,000 people, it is important that players perform without pressure and stay focused on the game.”
With the title race entering its final phase, Ouaddou made Pirates’ approach clear.
“There are still five games. I have said from the beginning that this team are warriors,” he said.
“My players have a strong fighting spirit and we will fight until the last minute of the season.”
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Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
