Marumo Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has joined Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso in acknowledging a tough PSL challenge, having arrived just last month.
The Moroccan-French coach was recently appointed by the Free State-based outfit, Gallants, to replace Dan Malesela, who was sacked after an inconsistent run of form.
Gallants have played four games under the leadership of the 46-year-old coach, winning twice, drawing once and suffering one defeat.
They sit 14th in the Betway Premiership standings with 19 points after 20 league matches so far. They also booked a spot in the Nedbank Cup semifinals this past weekend after defeating Durban City FC.
Ouaddou has acknowledged the challenge of fixture congestion in the PSL, a concern previously voiced by Sundowns coach Cardoso.
This schedule congestion is largely attributed to the league’s delayed start, which was caused by the late finalisation of a new league sponsorship agreement.
MARUMO GALLANTS COACH ON FIXTURE CONGESTION IN THE PSL
“I agree with you [on fixture congestion], but also in Europe, you play every three days. Sometimes you need a break to give rest to the players,” said Ouaddou.
“We don’t have to forget that the players are the ones who are making the show. If our players are tired and cannot give anything on the pitch, football will not be a show anymore.
“And we don’t have to forget that players are the first people on the pitch, and we have to take care of them. It’s very important because we play every three days and we are not robots, the players are not robots. And to run and give their best, they need a little bit of rest.
“And for me as a coach, I came and took the job ten days ago. If you play every three days, how can you work tactically? My main job is to help the players with recovery.
“I cannot work physically, tactically because I don’t have enough time. So, it’s difficult, and we have to protect the players.”
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