Abdeslam Ouaddou explains animated touchline approach after Orlando Pirates win

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his animated touchline behaviour reflects his character after his side beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals.

Mpho Padime, a graduate of the club’s development system, scored in the first half to secure victory for the Buccaneers and maintain their bid to defend the crown.

The result was Orlando Pirates’ fourth win over Babina Noko in all competitions this campaign.

Ouaddou was asked why he appeared unable to remain calm during the match, but said his intense reaction to events on the pitch was part of his personality.

“Look, we cannot improve the style, football is in my blood, I played this game for 17 years, everybody has his profile, some people are more calm, me I’m living the game, I’m living the action, of course I want everything to be perfect,” Ouaddou told SuperSport.

“Ancelotti is different from Simeone, and Ouaddou is different from Riveiro so ja it’s my style, I’m living this, I’m a patient man. I have to stop this because my clothes will become dirty so I will have to stop.”

The Orlando Pirates manager said he expected a demanding contest, given that the teams had already met four times this season. Sekhukhune United’s aggression, defensive organisation and compact shape made it difficult for the hosts to find room in attack.

“Look, the target was to go to the next stage, we know when we play a team four times in a row, they’re not coming here to give you the game, we’ve seen that they were ready, they were very aggressive, compact, it was very difficult to find the space but at least we managed to score in the first half it was the target,” he said.

Padime’s goal gave Orlando Pirates the advantage and forced the visitors to open up more after the interval, according to Ouaddou.

“It pushed the opponent to give us some space, I think if we are honest, the game could’ve finished maybe three or four more goals. But again well done for the boys, well done we go into the semi-finals, thanks for the fans for the support but yes we will work for the control because everything was not perfect. I’m not serious, I’m happy to go to the semi-final but not look like that we have to improve,” he added.

Ouaddou said the team were pleased to progress, but acknowledged that their performance still required work despite securing the result.