Orlando Pirates midfielders Makhehlene Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha have thrown their weight behind Abdeslam Ouaddou following his stance on showboating, insisting the coach prioritises results and direct football over unnecessary trickery.
Orlando Pirates midfielders Thalente Mbatha and Makhehlene Makhaula have defended head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s firm stance on showboating.
Ouaddou has dominated headlines in recent weeks after repeatedly speaking out against unnecessary showboating by a few players at the club. The Moroccan mentor’s views have divided fans and former players alike, with some arguing that trickery and flair are deeply rooted in South African football culture.
The Bucs coach went as far as making a bold declaration that he would resign as Pirates head coach if his players continued to showboat. The highly-rated coach has consistently stressed the importance of scoring goals over juggling the ball without eliminating opposition defenders.
With Ouaddou’s stance sparking widespread debate, Makhaula and Mbatha have backed their coach, emphasising that dribbling should be purposeful and aimed at beating defenders.
WHAT MAKHAULA AND MBATHA SAID ABOUT SHOWBOATING
“I don’t think [Ouaddou’s showboating views] is criticism,” Makhaula said. “The coach is always saying that you can do whatever you want, as long as the score is 4-0 and in whatever you do, you’re eliminating a player.
“So I think it’s a bit of criticism; the coach only wants the results, and after the results, then you can do whatever you want with the ball.”
Echoing the sentiments of the former AmaZulu FC captain, Mbatha revealed that the coach prioritises clinical, direct attacking play.
“The coach doesn’t necessarily mean that he doesn’t like showboating. He’s a person who likes goals and direct football… he’s a person who can let you showboat,” the Bafana Bafana midfielder said.
“I believe that in terms of him speaking that he doesn’t like this showboating, it’s because the goals are not enough. So. The more you put five or four goals in the back of the net, I believe that he lets you do your own thing, and the coach is one person who’s really friendly, and he’s able to help youngsters.
“He played 17 years in top professional leagues. So I’m encouraging these youngsters that come to the DDC [to continue expressing themselves], and I believe that it’s something that the coach wants.”
The midfield duo has missed a significant portion of the 2026/27 season due to injuries, but both will be hoping to earn a spot in the matchday squad for this coming weekend’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates will lock horns with their rivals at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with eyes firmly set on the R10 million grand prize.
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