Mbatha says Pirates boss Ouaddou will allow flair if goals follow

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha says head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s criticism of showboating is focused on the team’s results, rather than a desire to eliminate the flair associated with the club.

Ouaddou attracted attention earlier this season when he described excessive showboating as a “circus”. His comments prompted questions about how his approach would work with a Pirates squad featuring several players known for their skill and individual ability.

Mbatha, however, believes the coach’s position has been misunderstood.

Speaking at Orlando Pirates’ media open day before the MTN8 final, the South Africa international said Ouaddou is not opposed to entertaining supporters. Instead, he wants players to make sure their creativity is matched by an effective attacking contribution.

“Coach doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t like showboating, coach is a person who likes goals and likes playing direct football, but the moment you score more goals, he is a person who can let you showboat,” Mbatha said when asked by iDiski Times how Ouaddou’s comments had been received within the squad.

“I believe in terms of him speaking about not liking showboating things, it’s because the goals are not enough, so the more you put four or five goals in the back of the net, he lets you do your own thing.”

The 25-year-old also praised the relationship Ouaddou has built with the younger members of the Pirates squad.

The coach has placed particular emphasis on players emerging from the club’s development structures, and Mbatha believes Ouaddou’s own career has helped him understand the importance of allowing them to express themselves.

“And coach is one person who is really friendly and able to help youngsters,” Mbatha added.

“He played 17 years in the top professional league, so I believe it’s something that will continue. I’m encouraging these youngsters coming through from DDC and I believe it’s something that coach really wants.”

Mbatha said Ouaddou’s approach should not be interpreted as an attempt to remove the attacking imagination that has long been associated with Orlando Pirates.

Instead, he believes the coach is asking his attacking players to justify that freedom by producing the decisive moments in front of goal.

For Mbatha, the message is straightforward: players can express themselves and entertain when the team is delivering the goals Ouaddou expects.