Orlando Pirates coach criticizes showboating after Champions League win

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed mixed emotions following his team’s 3-1 victory over La Cure Waves in the CAF Champions League preliminary round. While the win advances the Buccaneers to the second preliminary round, where they will face Namibia’s African Warriors, Ouaddou criticized his players for a lack of seriousness in the second half.

Ouaddou accused certain players of showboating, stating that such behavior serves only the individual’s ego rather than the team’s goals. He emphasized that the club’s ambition is to win the Champions League and warned that he would ‘pack my bags and stop training’ if he were to accept such lack of discipline.

On a more positive note, Ouaddou praised midfielder Kabelo Dlamini, who is nearing a return from injury. Comparing Dlamini’s ability to assess options and make quick decisions to the legendary Zinedine Zidane, the coach highlighted the player’s importance for maintaining creativity and control in tight spaces.