Motale urges Pirates fans to back Ouaddou in showboating row

Former Orlando Pirates favourite Edward “Magents” Motale has called on the club’s players and supporters to respect coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decisions over showboating and allow him to impose his preferred style of football.

Motale, who became known for his flair and his mastery of “Show me your number” during his playing days, was a strong representative of the South African approach to the game, widely embraced by supporters.

Ouaddou, a Moroccan coach, has faced criticism from fans, pundits and former players after speaking harshly about “Kasi Flavour”, also known as “Diski Nine-Nine” – South Africa’s self-created style of play.

His comments have led to accusations that he is attempting to bring a kick-and-rush, North African football mentality to Orlando Pirates and impose it on South African players.

Motale, however, believes the coach should be given the authority to decide how his team plays, even if that means limiting dribbling and individual expression.

“Every house has its own rules; if the coach doesn’t want dribbling in his team, then allow him. We need to respect that,” Motale told KickOff.

He said players must follow the standards set by the coach in charge, comparing the situation to rules within a family.

“For example, my child know they are not allowed to arrive late at my house. So the showboating depends on the coach who is in charge at that particular time, and we need to respect that,” he added.

Motale pointed to Hugo Broos as another example of a coach whose views had to be accepted by his players.

“Hugo Broos once told us he didn’t want amakhehla [old men]. We respected his opinion and allowed him to do his job. So let’s give Ouaddou what he wants too. Let’s just support him,” he said.

The former Orlando Pirates player said a coach’s tactical instructions must be followed regardless of a player’s personal preferences or the football culture they are accustomed to.

“It’s like going to Barcelona and starting to make crosses into the box; the coach there will tell you, ‘We don’t play on crosses here; we cut in.’ You will play according to his instructions because he is the coach,” Motale said.

“So let’s allow Ouaddou to do what he thinks is best. That’s his methodology and philosophy.”

Motale again used the example of household rules to underline his argument that authority must be respected.

“Like I said, every house has its own rules. My child knows exactly how I feel about late coming. I don’t care whether it was raining or what, and they had to hide under a shelter somewhere.”