Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has stressed that new players at the club must quickly learn and fit into the high standards set by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, Sibisi said the latest arrivals need to blend with the team and understand what the coach expects from them every day.

Sibisi described Ouaddou as a straight talker who does not settle for ordinary results. “He doesn’t demand just good, he demands excellence,” the defender explained. “Whenever we win three-nil or four-nil, when we should have won maybe by eight or ten, he will say it straight. He’s a straight talker.”

The captain made it clear that the technical team is not interested in average performances. According to Sibisi, players who have been with the coach for a while already know what he wants, while those who have just joined the squad are still getting used to his ways. He said everyone is learning to take the feedback the right way instead of feeling upset.

“For us it’s just to take it in a positive manner and allow it to help us push for more,” Sibisi added. The squad sees the coach’s constant push for better standards as something that can help the team grow rather than a problem.

These comments follow a strong reaction from Ouaddou after Pirates beat Milford FC 3-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup earlier in the week. The coach was not happy that his side scored only three goals despite creating many more chances. He told the players that getting a chance at a big club like Pirates means they must deliver immediately, and that he is not there to nurse anyone’s feelings.

Sibisi’s words come at a busy time for the Buccaneers. The club is still bringing new faces into the group while playing a full domestic and continental programme. With the Soweto Derby coming up, the captain’s message is clear: everyone in the squad, especially the newcomers, must quickly get used to the coach’s demand for excellence if they want to succeed at Orlando Pirates.

The team heads into the big match knowing that winning is not enough. Ouaddou wants more, and Sibisi says the players are ready to take that challenge on board and keep pushing.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2116069514534092955