"It's too early to talk about the final," says Abdeslam Ouaddou, ahead of Carling Knockout semis

"It's too early to talk about the final," says Abdeslam Ouaddou, ahead of Carling Knockout semis

The Buccaneers head into Saturday's clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as clear favourites, having already claimed the MTN8 this season, alongside some good early form in the Betway Premiership this season.

They potentially already have one eye on the final against either Golden Arrows or Marumo Gallants, but Ouaddou insists this match is far from being a formality.

The two teams are yet to face each other in the Betway Premiership this season, and speaking ahead of their first meeting, the Pirates boss has preached caution.

He said in the Citizen: "Since we have not played the game [against Richards Bay], we cannot start thinking about the final yet.  It's very important for us to prepare for the game, to analyse the opponents, and to respect all the teams.

“I think it's going to be a very tough game on Saturday. Because first of all we're in Durban. They will be proud to play well against Orlando Pirates, they will also want to be one of the two teams in the final.”

"For us, it's important to be ambitious," added Ouaddou.

"Of course, we've won the first cup [the MTN8], but all my players are ambitious and the club is ambitious to play this game and reach the final."

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