Gloves are off in Orlando after Pirates coach Ouaddou vents his fury following Lioli FC's insult

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has firmly rebutted comments from Lioli FC coach Bongani Maseko, who said the Buccaneers are "overrated," ahead of Saturday's CAF Champions League showdown at Orlando Stadium.

With a promising 3-0 lead from the first leg in Lesotho, Ouaddou insists that his players are more than deserving of respect and are invigorated by the perceived slight.

Speaking to reporters at Orlando Stadium on Friday, the Moroccan tactician expressed his discontent with the statements made by Lioli's South African coach. "Tomorrow, I really want my players to show the level of Orlando Pirates because I cannot accept that the opposition coach is insulting my players, to say that we are 'overrated'," Ouaddou asserted.

"We are not overrated, but one of the best clubs in Africa, one of the best clubs on the continent and tomorrow I'm expecting a lot of motivation from my players to show really the level of Orlando Pirates."

With the stakes elevated, Ouaddou emphasised that the team needs to harness disrespect as a catalyst to fuel motivation. "My players are good players," he stated, underlining his belief in the squad's quality. Yet, he warned his team against complacency, treating the upcoming match as an independent challenge rather than a mere continuation of their first-leg advantage.

"A lot of people think that we have won 3-0 in the first leg (and that it is over), for me, it was only the first half. We have a second half to play tomorrow, and it is vital for us."

Recognising the vital role of their supporters, Ouaddou called upon fans to turn out in significant numbers, reinforcing the importance of a passionate home crowd.

"I hope our fans will come and pack the stadium because we need them as the twelfth man," he added. This invitation comes amid a rallying cry for unity, an aspect Ouaddou highlighted when discussing the beauty of the game of football.

"Football is like a peace war, where the ball is the weapon and your game plan is how you fight. However, after 90 minutes, we shake hands with the opposing team. That's the beauty of the game."

In a show of confidence, Ouaddou reiterated his expectations for the players to display their rhythm and determination on the pitch. "I want my players to show their quality, rhythm, and motivation. We are Pirates, and we have to prove it on the pitch," he concluded, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying encounter in front of a potentially packed stadium in Soweto.