Abdeslam Ouaddou embraces the pressure of leading a club like Orlando Pirates

The Buccaneers face Richards Bay FC in the semi-final of the Carling Knockout at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, as they aim to reach their second final of the season.

Since taking charge during the off-season, Ouaddou has already made a strong impression at the helm.

Under his guidance, Pirates have played 20 matches, winning 14 in regulation time and another via penalties in the MTN8 semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, a tournament they went on to lift for the fourth consecutive year.

With Pirates sitting within touching distance of the league summit, many of the early doubts surrounding his appointment have faded. But for Ouaddou, the weight of expectation is part of what fuels success at a club of this stature.

"When you come into such a big club, not only in the country but on the continent, you must understand that pressure comes with it," Ouaddou explained.

"For me, if you don't have this kind of pressure, it becomes difficult to deliver."

The 45-year-old coach described it as "positive pressure", a force that drives excellence rather than fear and credits the fans for maintaining that intensity.

"This pressure pushes you to give your best for the players, for the staff, and for the club," he said.

"If you are too relaxed, you can't give 100% of your capacity. The supporters make you feel it every day. They push the players, they push the coaches, at Pirates, you don't have time to chill."