Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou defends stance on showboating

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has defended his criticism of showboating after club legends reacted negatively to his comments.

Ouaddou reiterated his position after Orlando Pirates’ 2-0 victory over struggling Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace yesterday, saying his priority was securing results rather than entertainment.

The coach had spoken last week about his concerns over the way some players use skills and tricks, insisting that performances must ultimately help the team collect points.

He said he had heard former Orlando Pirates players claim that he could not arrive at the club and “teach us football”, but rejected the suggestion that he was trying to impose himself on South African football.

“I heard some ex players from Pirates, let’s say legends, saying that coach Wadu cannot come here to teach us football. I don’t teach football to anybody, I’m very humble, I respect the culture, I respect this fantastic country, I like it, I love it. I love South Africa,” Ouaddou said.

“I love its people but these people who were ex coaches need to understand that I’m here for a mandate and I’m here to take the best for my team, I’m here for the results and I’m here to win games.

“There is a difference between skills to play forward to score goals, to be efficient and entertainment. Entertainment is not for me.”

The remarks prompted widespread reaction from local football legends, who have often been critical of foreign coaches commenting on showboating in South African football.

Ouaddou argued that individual skill should have a clear purpose and contribute to the team, rather than being used solely to entertain spectators.

He also called on former players associated with Orlando Pirates to support the coaching staff and squad publicly and constructively.

“We have to be careful because we have to work together. You know these ex legends that you think are working with us, they have to work with us, they have to help the coach, they have to help the team and not speak on the side like that because I’m training a professional football team,” he added.

Ouaddou said the responsibility of managing Orlando Pirates extended beyond producing attractive football, with the club expected to remain competitive in Africa and deliver consistent results.

“I’m training a huge club in Africa. I’m training Orlando Pirates a very big institution in the continent, so we want to keep our range in Africa, scoring goals to be consistent and I think the message is clear, coach is not here chit chat or to give lesson to anybody. Coach is here to embrace the football in South Africa and to help some players to improve.”