Ouaddou has no problems with FIFA break

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is philosophical about the international break and has dismissed questions about it breaking the momentum of his team.

Pirates have seven players who have gone off to the South Africa squad ahead of their key World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda and also seen Deon Hotto travel with Namibia for matches in Liberia and Tunisia.

Relebogile Mofokeng had to pull out of the Bafana squad because of injury.

The two-week break comes after Pirates edged Siwelele in Saturday’s Carling Knockout first round to record a seventh successive victory.

“We cannot do anything about the FIFA break, we have to respect that. It’s the moment for the countries to play as well and it's a moment for our players to join the national team.

“It’s an honour to play for the country. I've been international and when you represent your country, you’re like a soldier. When the country calls you, it's a duty. You have to go.

“So for me, for me, it doesn't break the dynamic. It just gives another opportunity for my players to shine, internationally, and to prove their ability, and to give the best, not for our club now, but for their country.”

Ouaddou said training would continue without the players away on international duty.

“So we just go to continue to train the other players, who stay with us, because it will be a very important moment for them to keep up the competitive level because I need them.

“I'm winning a game with 11 players, but I'm winning competitions with the whole squad,” Ouaddou added.