Abdeslam Ouaddou has accepted the favourites tag for the Soweto Derby, but he is warning his Orlando Pirates players that the label guarantees nothing.

“To be favourites doesn’t mean that you’re going to win,” the Pirates coach said ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium (kick-off 3.30pm).

The Buccaneers have had the upper hand lately, winning three of the last five meetings, though Amakhosi took the silverware in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final.

Last season Pirates collected four points from the two league derbies, winning 3-0 in the first and drawing 1-1 in the second.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Ouaddou said his team must carry confidence into the match, but he made clear that this is a different Chiefs side.

“We need to have this positive arrogance. We have to accept this position of favourites because we are the champions. But at the same time, we play against new technical team,” he said.

“Chiefs have a new coach, new energy, and new ideas, and they are doing a good job. So, it is up to us to come with a lot of energy, execute our plan, and deliver a good game of football for the fans.”

The unbeaten derby record from last season does not impress him either.

“We didn’t lose last season. But what we achieved last season is in the past. Well done to the boys and the club. But we have to move on. It’s another season, other targets, and we have to plan for that,” added the Moroccan coach.

Chiefs are fresh from a 3-0 Carling Cup win over TS Galaxy and under pressure to deliver. Pirates are favourites. Ouaddou knows what that is worth on derby day.

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