Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou on their NFD Nedbank Cup opponents Casric Stars: There is no small team in such competitions

Abdeslam Ouaddou does not subscribe in the ‘small-team’ tag used when Betway Premiership sides facing Motsepe Foundation Championship sides.

Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates face MFC side Casric Stars in a Nedbank Cup last-16 encounter this evening and expectation is that the Sea Robbers would dominate the side in a league lower than them.

But Ouaddou does not share that notion as Pirates host Stars at the backdrop of a 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in midweek.

“Casric Stars, we know that they are a very good team. They’re competitive, I think they’re fourth in the championship that they’re playing in. They have scored 20 goals I think, and have conceded 15 goals. It means that it’s a team that has some qualities but for us it’s important to take the game seriously,” said during the Nedbank Cup last 16 press conference at the Nedbank headquarters in Sandton this week.

“You know, I always say there are no small teams in the cup. They can challenge you if you don’t put in the effort, commitment that the game needs.”

“Of course, we’re going to play at home and I think it’s an advantage. But we have to prepare well for the game. As for the training, we only did some regeneration this morning with the players that played yesterday, but we have to prepare well.

“With the players that didn’t play, we had some time to make one session, with high intensity. We’re looking forward to playing that game. It’s a chance, we’re looking to play quickly. With games coming thick and fast, it’s important to adapt quickly,” concluded Ouaddou.

The match starts at 6pm at Orlando Amstel Arena.