Coaches Abdeslam Ouaddou, Papi Zothwane, Fernando Da Cruz and Godfrey Mosoetsa have shared their expectations ahead of this weekend’s Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final fixtures, with the remaining teams battling for places in the semi-finals.
The four coaches addressed the media during Thursday’s quarter-final preview press conference at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) offices in Johannesburg.
Mamelodi Sundowns have already secured their place in the last four after beating Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.
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Their quarter-final was brought forward because Masandawa host USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup final at the same venue on Sunday, 08 November 2026.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates will welcome Sekhukhune United to the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 07 November, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his team’s recent performances have provided confidence but insists there are still areas that need improvement, particularly in controlling matches.
The confidence is there. When you look at how balanced we have been in our performances, maintaining our values, being solid and scoring goals, I think that gives the players confidence,” said Ouaddou.
However, the Buccaneers coach believes greater consistency will be necessary if his team is to continue competing for major honours.
For a club of Pirates’ magnitude, if we want to be more ambitious, win titles and go far in CAF competitions and cup competitions, we need greater consistency in how we control games. That is something we are continuing to work on,” he added.
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Sekhukhune United coach Papi Zothwane, meanwhile, says his team will adopt a different approach against the defending champions, emphasising the importance of focusing on their own strengths rather than on Pirates’ quality and reputation.
When we play against Pirates, we sometimes focus too much on their quality, their personnel and the fact that they are playing at home, rather than concentrating on what we can do to win the match. It is important that our players understand what they need to do to win,” said Zothwane.
He added that Sekhukhune would look to capitalise on their opportunities and score early while maintaining consistency in a team that has performed well in recent matches.
On Sunday, 08 November, Kaizer Chiefs will host Siwelele FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, with kick-off rescheduled to 18:00.
Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz expects a difficult encounter but says the immediate objective is to secure a place in the semi-finals.
We expect a difficult match against this team, but our first objective is to reach the semi-finals. We will respect Siwelele, take them seriously and do everything we can to win the match and progress,” said Da Cruz.
The Frenchman also addressed the club’s January transfer plans, acknowledging the need for experienced players to support the development of younger members of the squad. However, he stressed that Chiefs would only recruit players who bring genuine value.
If we recruit a player, it must be because he brings real added value to the squad. We are not looking to recruit simply for the sake of recruiting,” he explained.
Siwelele caretaker coach Godfrey Mosoetsa believes facing one of the country’s biggest clubs will provide sufficient motivation for his players, who are looking forward to the occasion.
When you play against one of the biggest clubs in the country, you don’t have to do much as a coach to motivate your players. They are already looking forward to the occasion because they know they will be playing in front of a big crowd against a big club. That in itself is motivation,” said Mosoetsa.
Mosoetsa also reflected on his efforts to rebuild confidence within the squad since taking charge, saying the players have responded positively to his approach.
He praises goalkeeper Jody February for bringing stability to the team and welcomes the return of striker Zakhele Lepasa following his injury troubles.
We need experienced players like him to help us get out of the situation we are in,” Mosoetsa said of Lepasa.
The Siwelele coach further confirmes that Happy Mashiane continues to train with the team but remains unavailable as administrative matters surrounding his signing are still ongoing.
The other quarter-final fixture will see Stellenbosch FC host AmaZulu FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday, 08 November, with kick-off also scheduled for 18:00.
With Sundowns already through to the semi-finals, the remaining three quarter-final fixtures will determine the other teams joining them in the last four.