Ouaddou explodes: ‘Chiefs came to break legs, not play football

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has sensationally compared the Soweto Derby to a martial arts contest, accusing Kaizer Chiefs of employing “karate” tactics in a fiery 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium on Sunday.

In a post-match presser that was as explosive as the action on the pitch, the Pirates mentor did not hold back, claiming that the “Beautiful Game” was sacrificed for a brand of football that crossed a dangerous “red line.”

While the scoreline saw Pule Mmodi’s opener cancelled out by Kamogelo Sebelebele’s equaliser, the football was nearly secondary to the physical warfare that unfolded. The result keeps the Buccaneers at the top of the Betway Premiership standings—benefiting from Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalless draw with Richards Bay FC—but Ouaddou’s focus remained squarely on the safety of his squad.

FOOTBALL OR KARATE? PIRATES BOSS SLAMS ‘RED LINE’ DERBY TACTICS

Reflecting on the tactical battle, Ouaddou admitted that the Amakhosi line-up signalled a physical afternoon from the outset.

“When I saw the line-up, I knew directly that we would be faced with a lot of duels and tough football in the middle,” Ouaddou said. “I think in terms of duels, we lost that battle of fighting… but what I have seen today, I don’t know if I can call it a football game or karate. I have to respect other sporting codes, but it was not a football game.”

The Pirates coach argued that the occasion, which draws global attention, was marred by a lack of protection for creative players.

The most damning part of Ouaddou’s critique was the allegation that Chiefs deliberately targeted Pirates’ attacking sparks: Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, and Tshepang Moremi.

The coach insisted that the challenges flying in were not merely tactical but malicious.

“Our three players—Mofokeng, Appollis, and Moremi—were targeted. Not to take the ball within the rules, but to break the legs of the players. This is something I cannot accept in football,” Ouaddou fumed.

“A team came not to play football but to destroy… this is very bad for football and a fantastic Soweto Derby because people come to watch good football.”

BETWAY PREMIERSHIP TITLE RACE TENSION

While the point maintains the status quo at the top, the pressure is mounting. Pirates have 59 points after 26 games, but second-placed Sundowns sit just one point behind with a crucial game in hand. In a race this tight, every dropped point—and every injury—feels like a massive blow to the Buccaneers’ title dreams.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the stalemate keeps them in third place with 47 points, ensuring they remain favourites to clinch a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

As the dust settles on one of the most physical derbies in recent memory, the focus now turns to the league’s disciplinary review of a match that Abdeslam Ouaddou believes went far beyond the laws of the game.