The perplexing situation between Marumo Gallants and former coach Abdeslam Ouaddou continues to unfold, marked by conflicting claims of contract breach and denials. Here’s a breakdown of what’s really going on.
The initial agreement between the Moroccan-French coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and the Bloemfontein-based club was a two-year deal, along with a promised salary increment if the coach successfully saved the club from relegation.
Ouaddou fulfilled his end of the bargain by keeping the club in the Betway Premiership. However, the club understandably offered him less than half of the promised salary, citing severe financial constraints.
For Ouaddou, this meant a breach of the original understanding, leading him to believe the contract was “null and void”.
GALLANTS BELIEVE R1 MILLION CLAUSE CAN PREVENT COACH FROM JOINING ANOTHER CLUB
However, Gallants reportedly hold a different interpretation, believing a R1 million clause in the contract allows them to prevent Ouaddou from joining another club unless he settles this amount.
Ouaddou publicly announced his exit from the club on Saturday night, ending a brief four-month stint with Bahlabane Ba Ntwa.
Despite his announcement, Gallants quickly released a statement denying receipt of any official resignation, calling Ouaddou’s public declaration “unverified reports.”
Ouaddou directly responded, revealing that the club’s chairman, Abram Sello, had “shocked” him by not “financially honouring the option” on his contract for the next two seasons.
He argued that since the club couldn’t meet its financial commitments, he was not required to submit a resignation letter, instead pushing for a mutual agreement to terminate their relationship.
Ouaddou had joined Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in March, replacing Dan Malesela, who has since re-joined Baroka FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Apart from keeping the club in top-flight, Ouaddou also led them to the Nedbank Cup semi-final where they were eliminated by Orlando Pirates.
The former AS Vita coach oversaw 12 matches across all competitions, winning five, drawing four and losing three.
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