Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has sparked debate in South African football with his stance on showboating, emphasizing efficiency and goal-scoring over entertaining plays. He draws a line between skill and entertainment, arguing that using ability to move the ball forward is different from performing tricks for spectators. This approach has put him at the center of a familiar debate in South African football.
Ouaddou's position is not revolutionary, but it challenges the conventional culture of South African football, where flair and entertainment are deeply ingrained. Coaches like Stuart Baxter, Pitso Mosimane, Manqoba Mngqithi, and Rulani Mokwena have also weighed in on the issue, with some accepting showboating as a reward for winning. Baxter, for instance, admitted to accepting showboating from his Kaizer Chiefs players after they secured the league title.
The common denominator among these coaches is that they had achieved success with their teams, giving them the authority to dictate their style of play. Mosimane, for example, spoke against unnecessary showboating after Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 6-0 in 2017, arguing that opponents deserved respect. This suggests that winning gives coaches the freedom to enforce their preferred style.
Ouaddou's challenge lies in building his authority at Orlando Pirates while advocating for his definition of professionalism. His authority will ultimately come from results, not just his stance on showboating. If Pirates win the Betway Premiership and continue to fill the trophy cabinet, Ouaddou can dictate when to juggle, dribble, entertain, or simply put the ball in the net.
In South African football, success gives teams and coaches the loudest voice in the argument about how trophies should be won. This is a lesson Ouaddou appears to be learning. His recent comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some former Pirates players questioning his stance on showboating. However, Ouaddou remains committed to his approach, emphasizing that his mandate is to win trophies, not entertain.
Despite the challenges, Ouaddou's focus on efficient football has yielded positive results. His young Pirates unit recently delivered a disciplined performance against Durban City, with Ouaddou praising their pure football over showboating. The team aims to maintain their standards after the international break, with an MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns next on the schedule.
As Ouaddou navigates the complexities of South African football culture, his success will depend on his ability to balance his preferred style with the expectations of his players, fans, and the broader football community. With persistence and a winning mentality, Ouaddou may yet find that his approach becomes the standard for Orlando Pirates.
Key points
- Coaches in South African football gain authority to dictate their style of play when their teams achieve success.
- Abdeslam Ouaddou faces challenges in enforcing efficient football over showboating at Orlando Pirates.
- Winning gives coaches the freedom to prioritize their preferred style, whether it emphasizes entertainment or efficiency.
