Orlando Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was humble in victory after guiding the team to a record-extending fourth MTN8 crown on Saturday night.
The Sea Robbers cruised to silverware after beating Stellenbosch 3-0, thanks to a brace from Tshepang Moremi and a lone goal from Tshegofatso Mabasa in extra-time.
All three goals were created and scored by substitutes, showing Ouaddou’s tactical prowess, having also been at the heart of the 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final first leg at home. Against Sundowns, Ouaddou converted winger Kamogelo Sebelebele into a wing-back, and that proved to be effective as he scored the equaliser.
So such has been the turnaround of fortunes at Pirates – winning the MTN8 and their last three Betway Premiership games – Ouaddou is fast proving his detractors, who didn’t deem him good enough for the role when he lost the first two league games, wrong.
The Moroccan has also been “lauded” for being the first coach to lift silverware with one hand after his right hand was heavily strapped in an arm sling against Stellies, having been involved in a car accident two-and-a-half weeks ago. However, he’s not getting carried, thinking he’s arrived or proving some people wrong. He insists that he knew that they’d eventually turn the corner, and win matches.
“It’s not normal (to win the MTN8) because you need to perform and win games,” Ouaddou said. “Against Mamelodi Sundowns, it wasn’t easy. It was close. They are one of the best clubs in Africa. We played Stellenbosch, who are a team that’s part of the African competitions.
“So, for me, it’s part of the process. So, I wasn’t worried. Maybe people were worried, and there was doubt about the coach. But like I said, in football you need passion sometimes.
“When you come into a club that has 10 new players, and you need to implement your philosophy – not that Jose Riveiro didn’t do a good job before – it was just important to keep the legacy. We needed to bring in a new weapon for the team to be dangerous.”
Ouaddou acknowledges that pressure and criticism is part and parcel of the game, but pleads with everyone – including new hounds – to be patient with coaches.
“Sometimes, it takes time (to get it right), and people don’t understand that,” Ouaddou said. “Yeah, we lost two games in the beginning of the season, but you (the media), the experts, know that we didn’t deserve to lose those games.
“But straight away, after two games, people wanted to fire the coach. Do you think it’s the life of sport? Of course, there’s pressure, but we are here to give our passion and help the team to improve and get results.
“I am not speaking like that because we have won the trophy. We still have many games to play and achieve. We’ll celebrate, but our mind is on the CAF Champions League’s game because that’s the life of a coach. We have to focus on the next game.”
While some members of the football fraternity, particularly the Ghost, may have criticised Ouaddou and questioned his credibility, the Morocco born coach has been vocal about believing in African skillset.
Which is why he’s pleased that his backroom staff is predominantly African talent, including assistant coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Raayan Jacobs.
“It doesn’t give me more credit,” continued Ouaddou on whether he’s now made more people believe in his coaching prowess after winning the MTN8 crown.
“Everyday, we have to improve, and win games. It’s like we have to show our competencies every time. It’s what I have been doing since I was in the academy at 15 years of age.
“If you deserve to play in Europe, you need to be three times better than a European player. So, for me, it’s like that.
“Now as a coach, I still have to work very hard everyday to show the people that I am able to coach such a big club in Africa, and give confidence to African competencies. Today, we won, and my entire staff is made up of African competencies. I am very proud of that.”
