Coach Ouaddou criticizes Orlando Pirates for showboating in South Africa — Daily Maverick

Abdeslam Ouaddou, the coach of South African club Orlando Pirates, criticized the players for showboating in the second leg of the African Champions League qualifying tie against Mauritian side La Cure Waves. Pirates won 3-1 on aggregate, but the coach was dissatisfied that the team slowed the tempo in the second half, Daily Maverick reports.

Demand for effectiveness

According to Ouaddou, some players resorted to elements of the so-called kasi flavour — a style traditional to South African football that includes feints, juggling the ball and displaying individual technique. The coach believes such actions have no place in professional football if they do not help the team move forward and score.

The Moroccan specialist said his team need a more serious approach and maximum conversion of chances to win the Champions League. He stressed that skills which help develop attacks and score differ from entertainment for the public. Ouaddou added that his goal is victories and trophies, not spectacle for its own sake.

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Debate over football identity

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder and coach Tebogo Moloi said on Radio 2000 that the local manner of play is part of South African football identity. In his view, the coach should explain to players when such actions are appropriate and how to make them productive, rather than call this style showboating.

Ouaddou is in his second season in charge of Orlando Pirates after being appointed in mid-2025. In the 2025/26 season, the team won the Premiership, MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup under his leadership. The coach now also aims to lead the club to its second African Champions League title in history after its 1995 success.