OUADDOU MAKES BOLD SOWETO DERBY PREDICTION AS HE SENDS STRONG MESSAGE ABOUT KAIZER CHIEFS' TITLE CHANCES

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 1 NOVEMBER 2026

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made a significant prediction following his team's 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday's highly anticipated Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium, insisting that Amakhosi remain genuine contenders for the Betway Premiership title.

Despite securing a massive derby victory against their traditional rivals, the Buccaneers coach has refused to dismiss Chiefs' chances of challenging for the championship this season.

Pirates claimed bragging rights in front of thousands of supporters after delivering an important performance against their Soweto neighbours. Yanela Mbuthuma opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Pule Mmodi brought Chiefs level. Tshepang Moremi eventually scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute to hand Pirates all three points.

However, Ouaddou's post-match comments demonstrated that he understands the unpredictable nature of South African football and the importance of respecting every competitor in the title race.

Speaking after the encounter, the Moroccan tactician praised the work being done by Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz and his technical team, suggesting that Amakhosi deserve patience as they continue developing their playing philosophy.

“What I can tell you is that, seeing the game from outside, the technical staff of Kaizer Chiefs are doing a great job. We must let them work on implementing their game model,” Ouaddou said.

The Pirates mentor also highlighted the quality within the Chiefs squad, particularly the young players who could become important figures in the club's future.

“Kaizer Chiefs have a very good team, very good young players. In my opinion, they're on the right path. We don't have to rule them out of the title race. This is a big club with big fans, and this technical team is doing a great job,” he added.

His comments come despite the contrasting positions of the two Soweto giants on the league standings.

Pirates moved to second place with 25 points, just one behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who had played an additional match at the time of the derby result.

Meanwhile, Chiefs remained fifth with 14 points from nine matches, leaving them 11 points behind the Buccaneers.

Ouaddou also described the Soweto Derby as having the intensity and atmosphere of a CAF Champions League encounter, praising the supporters and organisers for creating an outstanding football spectacle.

For Chiefs, the message from the Pirates coach could provide encouragement as Da Cruz continues building his project at Naturena.

Although Saturday's defeat was disappointing, Amakhosi will be determined to respond positively when domestic football resumes.

With plenty of matches remaining, Ouaddou believes the title race is far from decided, and Chiefs should not be underestimated.

Source https://x.com/FARPostZA/status/2116786154313818597