Ouaddou tells Orlando Pirates legends: winning matters more than showboating

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has defended his criticism of players who showboat, saying his responsibility is to deliver results rather than entertain supporters.

The Moroccan coach was angered during the CAF Champions League Preliminary Round second leg against La Cure Waves last week after some of his players attempted what he viewed as unnecessary tricks.

Ouaddou warned that he would rather leave than allow individual showmanship to take priority over efficient football and winning. His comments prompted criticism from former Orlando Pirates figures, who questioned whether he had the authority to dictate the club’s style of play.

The coach responded after Orlando Pirates’ victory over Marumo Gallants on Sunday, making clear that he had not arrived to lecture anyone about football but to fulfil a specific mandate.

“I heard some ex-coaches from Pirates, some, let’s say, legends, saying that coach Ouaddou cannot come here to teach us football.

“I don’t teach football to nobody. I am very humble. I respect the culture, I respect this fantastic country. I like it, I love it. I love South Africa. I love these people, but these people who were ex-coaches, they have to understand that I am here for a mandate. I am here to get the results. I am here to take the best for my team and to win games. There is a difference between skills, to play forward, to score goals, to be efficient, and entertainment.

“Entertainment, it’s not for me. If some people want to see the Harlem Globetrotters, I’m not here to make entertainment. Pirates are here to win games, to shine on the continent and to win cups.”

Ouaddou’s response sets out the standards he wants to establish during his time at Orlando Pirates. He drew a distinction between skill that helps the team progress, create chances and score, and tricks that serve only as entertainment.

The former Orlando Pirates players who challenged his original comments spoke from their own experience at the club. Ouaddou, however, said his focus was on the current squad and the targets he has been set.

Those targets include competing for domestic honours and performing strongly in Africa. Orlando Pirates are currently managing commitments in the Betway Premiership alongside their CAF Champions League campaign.

The coach’s message to his players is that flair remains acceptable when it benefits the team, but efficiency and victories must come first.