‘Don’t Count Them Out’: Ouaddou Drops Shocking Claim About the Chiefs

November 2, 2026 sportnow Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has declined to dismiss Kaizer Chiefs from the Betway Premiership title contention, even after enhancing his winning streak against Amakhosi in the Soweto Derby. Ouaddou made his comments following Pirates’ 2-1 triumph over Chiefs in Saturday’s Soweto Derby, as the Buccaneers continue their pursuit of the league title.

This victory marked Ouaddou’s second league win against Amakhosi since he took over Pirates last season. His first win occurred in the first half of the previous campaign, while the two teams had a 1-1 draw in their subsequent matchup.

Despite once again getting the upper hand against their rivals, the Pirates coach praised the efforts of the Chiefs coaching staff and emphasized that they should not be overlooked in the title race.

“From an external perspective, I believe the technical team at Kaizer Chiefs is doing a commendable job. We must allow them the space to work and execute their game plan,” he remarked.

“They possess an excellent squad with gifted young players. In my view, they are heading in the right direction, and we must not dismiss them from the title race. This is a significant club with a large following, and their coaching staff is performing admirably.”

Chiefs have faced challenges in their quest for league success, struggling to consistently compete for the Premiership title in recent years.

Their last serious title contention occurred during the 2019/20 season under then-coach Ernst Middendorp, where they came close to winning the championship. Amakhosi last celebrated a league title in the 2014/15 season under Stuart Baxter’s management.

Currently, Chiefs sit fifth in the league standings with 14 points accrued over nine matches, trailing leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 12 points, who have garnered 26 points, and falling 11 points behind second-placed Pirates with 25 points.

Nonetheless, Ouaddou believes that the quality displayed in the Soweto Derby highlighted the potential of South African football, labeling Saturday’s clash as being on par with Champions League matches.

“If I were to evaluate this match, I would say it matched the intensity of a Champions League game,” he noted.

“Both teams had their chances. Chiefs dominated the first half and could have secured the win, while we controlled the second half. The intensity and significance of the occasion were clear to see.

“I feel immense pride when witnessing such an event in South Africa. It serves as an example for many African nations to emulate.

“What an extraordinary derby! There was no violence, and fans shared the experience of watching the game together. While rivalry exists, it was wonderful to see supporters enjoying the match side by side. It stands out as something unique in South Africa.”

Meanwhile, Chiefs will be looking to bounce back when they continue their league campaign on 28 November with an away match against Chippa United in the Eastern Cape.

Amakhosi will be keen to recover from their loss in the Soweto Derby and seek revenge against the Chilli Boys, who defeated them in the final league game of the previous season.