“There Are No Small Teams in Cups” – Ouaddou Sounds Warning as Pirates Brace for Casric Test

Orlando Pirates may be overwhelming favourites on paper, but head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has issued a clear warning ahead of their Nedbank Cup round of 16 clash against Casric Stars this Saturday at Orlando Amstel Arena.

The Buccaneers host the Motsepe Foundation Championship side knowing that knockout football has a long history of producing shocks and Ouaddou is determined to ensure his players do not become the latest high-profile casualty.

Pirates secured their place in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup in emphatic fashion, dismantling Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 4–1 just over a week ago. However, the Soweto giants head into this fixture on the back of a 2–1 Betway Premiership defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday – a result that halted their league momentum and added extra significance to Saturday’s encounter.

Speaking ahead of the match, Ouaddou made it clear that Casric Stars deserve respect despite the difference in divisions.

“Casric Stars FC, we know that it’s a very competitive team. In the Championship they are fourth in the league table,” Ouaddou said. “They have scored around 20 goals and conceded about 15, which means they have quality.”

Casric Stars’ strong position in the Motsepe Foundation Championship standings underlines their competitiveness, and their attacking return suggests they are more than capable of troubling top-flight opposition if given opportunities.

Orlando Pirates training session ahead of Nedbank Cup last 16 match against Casric Stars (Image: @orlandopirates/ X)

Ouaddou emphasised that the Nedbank Cup demands maximum concentration, intensity and professionalism, regardless of the opponent’s status.

“For us, it’s important to take this game seriously,” he added. “There are no more small teams, especially in the Cups. A supposed small team can challenge you if you don’t put in the effort, commitment and seriousness that the Cups require.”

With kick-off set for 6:00pm, Pirates will be eager to reassert themselves and restore confidence following their midweek loss to Mamelodi Sundowns. Progression to the next round is at stake, and anything less than a disciplined performance could open the door for a potential upset.

For Casric Stars, the trip to Orlando presents an opportunity to test themselves against one of South Africa’s biggest clubs – and possibly write a memorable chapter in their cup journey.

While Pirates remain favourites to advance in the Nedbank Cup, Ouaddou’s message is unmistakable: reputation alone will not secure passage to the quarter-finals.