CAF Champions League

Ouaddou Calls for Focus as Pirates Begin CAF CL Campaign

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Abdeslam Ouaddou, head coach of Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 26 April 2026 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expecting a tough test against La Cure Waves in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round and has called on his players to approach the encounter with maximum respect.

The Buccaneers will kickstart their continental campaign with a trip to the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex to face the Mauritius outfit on Sunday afternoon.

Pirates will come into this fixture high in confidence after their comfortable 4-0 victory over Kruger United in the Betway Premiership.

Ouaddou has praised the warm welcome his side received in Mauritius but insists the Buccaneers must remain focused ahead of their CAF Champions League clash.

“The preparations for the game went very well, the welcome in the fantastic country was perfect, and thank you for the warm welcome,” Ouaddou said as per IDiskiTimes.

“We are expecting a difficult game against the champions of the country [Mauritius], so for us it is important to take that game very seriously and not underestimate any team.

“You know the Champions League, it’s something special, people are playing with motivation, they are playing with the fighting spirit. So hopefully we come here with a lot of ambition and to get the results here.”