Ouaddou backs African Stars chairman after Pirates secure Champions League advantage

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised African Stars chairman Salomo Hei’s ambition and professionalism after his side claimed a 1-0 away win in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round qualifier.

The Namibian champions had not yet begun their domestic league campaign before Saturday’s match, giving Pirates the potential for a fitness advantage. However, Ouaddou said African Stars had used other methods to prepare, including a series of friendly matches.

“We know they didn’t start the league, but there are many ways to get players fit,” Ouaddou said. “Having studied their team and knowing how ambitious their chairman is, and how professional he is, he’s young like our chairman, like the chairman of Sundowns, like the board of Kaizer Chiefs.”

Ouaddou also spoke warmly about the emergence of younger African football leaders, saying their ambition and understanding of the game could contribute to the development of football across the continent.

“I saw him and I said, as an African coach, I am very proud to see young leaders taking over, taking football. It’s a model, this type of chairman in Africa, who are going to lift African football,” he added.

“We can dream, we can dream with these chairmen.”

The Pirates manager said effective leadership required an understanding of the wider football environment, while recognising the work African Stars had done to ensure their squad was ready for the tie.

“Knowing sport, knowing the ecosystem of football, typically like our chairman,” he said. “So saying that, I know they had alternative ways to prepare, many friendly games. Of course, it doesn’t replace the league, but I have seen good staff. Eight or seven staff means they are well organised.”

Despite acknowledging African Stars’ preparations, Ouaddou believed the lack of competitive fixtures could become significant as the match progressed. Pirates aimed to maintain their intensity and defensive structure before seeking to exploit their greater physical sharpness late in the game.

“For us, we knew we might have an advantage in the second half,” he said. “If we keep strong, maybe at the later stage of the game, we can have a physical advantage.”

The result gives Orlando Pirates a narrow lead ahead of the second leg in South Africa. They will now focus on completing the tie and securing a place in the CAF Champions League group stages.