Abdeslam Ouaddou has responded to questions over Orlando Pirates' readiness to compete this season, with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns also aiming at a ninth consecutive league title.
The Moroccan-Frenchman got his tenure off to a bright start with a 2-0 win over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarterfinals.
However, with a squad brimming with quality, and the likes of Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis brought in, he is to improve on Jose Riveiro's trophy collection, which included triumphs in both the Nedbank Cup and MTN8.
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The CAF Champions League and the domestic championship stand as the two titles that eluded the Spaniard in his three years at the club and remain a cruel reminder to the Buccaneer faithful of what could have been.
Speaking to media at the post-match press conference, the side's new tactician said he was under no illusions about the task at hand for him and his star-studded outfit.
"A positive pressure, I must say, when you put your feet in such a big club, not only in South Africa but on the continent, of course, the board doesn't bring you here just to chill," said Ouaddou.
"I know the expectation of the fans, I know the expectation of the board, and of course, I will do my best to try to reach the targets.
"The players also know that they have done a very good job since three years ago. So, let's keep going, we have a big challenge this season.
"What I can tell you is, of course, we have the tools, and I think the club gave me the possibility for success. I'm very happy, I'm very proud of the quality of the players that I have.
"Of course, every weekend I'm in trouble to find the perfect line-up. But yeah, it's a good problem for me, I'm a happy coach," he reiterated, before touching on his playing philosophy.
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"But yeah, the philosophy, I don't want to go deep because if I have to explain my philosophy, I think we'll have to sit for one hour, two hours to go deep.
"But yeah, quickly, I like positional games. I want my team to be able to play a positional game, but to play a directional game. To be strong defensively, to have all the qualities.
"But I need more time to explain it. To be honest, my playbook, my game model, it's 90 slides."
Bucs open their league season against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
