Orlando Pirates’ 2025/26 campaign got off to a frustrating start as the Soweto giants suffered back-to-back defeats in the Betway Premiership, leaving fans unhappy and the pressure mounting on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The team’s slow start has prompted online calls for his sacking, just a few games into the new season.
A Disappointing Start to the Season
The latest defeat, a 2-1 loss to Marumo Gallants on Tuesday at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, was a particularly tough blow for Ouaddou’s side. Despite taking an early lead, Pirates faltered, and Gallants capitalized on defensive lapses to hand the Buccaneers their second consecutive defeat.
This follows a narrow 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune United in the season opener, leaving Pirates without a win in the league so far. The back-to-back losses have put Orlando Pirates under the spotlight, with fans expressing frustration and disappointment at the team’s performance.
High Expectations and Growing Frustration
Heading into the 2025/26 season, expectations were high for Orlando Pirates, with many fans hoping for a strong title challenge. However, the team’s rocky start has raised doubts about their prospects under Ouaddou’s leadership. Despite showing flashes of promise in previous seasons, the current squad’s struggles have raised questions about the Moroccan coach’s tactics, team selection, and decision-making.
Ouaddou’s lack of a win thus far has intensified the scrutiny surrounding him, with many supporters taking to social media to voice their concerns. The growing discontent has led to calls for the coach’s dismissal, something that could jeopardise the team’s morale as they look ahead to a challenging fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final this Saturday.
The Pressure Ahead of the MTN8 Clash
The upcoming MTN8 semi-final first leg against Sundowns could be a defining moment for Ouaddou. A poor result at home could further heighten tensions, as the club’s supporters, already frustrated with the start of the league season, will be expecting nothing short of a strong performance.
The pressure on the coach is not only from fans but also from within the club, as the league title race is expected to be fiercely contested this season. Sundowns, as always, will be a formidable opponent, and Pirates will need to show their resilience and ability to bounce back quickly. A victory could relieve some of the mounting pressure on Ouaddou, while a loss could see his position come under even more scrutiny.
What’s Next for Ouaddou?
The coming days will be critical for Abdeslam Ouaddou and Orlando Pirates. The coach must work quickly to address the team’s issues and restore confidence within the squad. Fans will be hoping for a positive reaction against Sundowns, but it remains to be seen whether Ouaddou can turn things around.
In the highly competitive Betway Premiership, a slow start can often be a death knell for coaches, and with fans already questioning his leadership, Ouaddou faces a pivotal moment in his career.
For Orlando Pirates, a team of their stature, the expectations are always sky-high. Time will tell if Ouaddou can weather the storm and lead the Buccaneers to glory, or if his tenure will be cut short before it even gets going.
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As Orlando Pirates prepare for their upcoming MTN8 clash with Mamelodi Sundowns, all eyes will be on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. With his job on the line and the team struggling to find form, Saturday’s result could define the rest of his season. What do you think? Will Ouaddou survive the pressure and turn things around for Pirates?
