Ouaddou’s animated touchline display adds to Orlando Pirates’ Soweto Derby victory

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s lively touchline behaviour became almost as prominent as Orlando Pirates’ 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s Betway Premiership Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.

The Orlando Pirates head coach was filmed gesturing passionately, reacting to events on the pitch and dancing during the celebrations as his side claimed bragging rights in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures.

A series of videos from the match quickly circulated on social media, turning the 47-year-old Moroccan into an online talking point. His animated presence in the technical area provided a striking contrast between his intense instructions to the players and the lighter moments that followed Pirates’ goals.

The Buccaneers secured the win through goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi. Moremi scored in the 55th minute to complete the comeback and give Pirates a valuable derby victory.

However, Ouaddou later acknowledged that his own tactical choices had contributed to a difficult first half for his team. Kaizer Chiefs created a number of chances before the interval and might have altered the outcome had they taken them.

The coach accepted responsibility for Pirates’ problems during the opening 45 minutes, admitting that he had got his approach wrong. His team responded after the break, recovering to secure the result despite the earlier difficulties.

For Orlando Pirates supporters, the victory was the central reason to celebrate. Yet Ouaddou’s behaviour on the touchline added another dimension to the occasion, with his dance and emotional reactions becoming part of the post-match discussion.

His instructions throughout the match showed the pressure involved in trying to win the Soweto Derby, while the celebrations highlighted the significance of the result for the Buccaneers. By the end of the afternoon, the coach had helped make his touchline performance one of the fixture’s most memorable features.