Ouaddou slams CAF opponents: ‘I’m not buying this behaviour’

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has condemned the practice of time-wasting and delay tactics often employed in CAF interclub competitions, calling it “bad behaviour” that sets a poor example for young players.

Ouaddou’s comments come just after Pirates’ heartbreaking elimination from the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, where they lost 5-4 on penalties to DR Congo side Saint Eloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Despite staging a magnificent 3-0 comeback in the second leg to force a penalty shootout after losing the first leg 3-0, Ouaddou took issue with the conduct of the visiting team. Lupopo frequently employed time-wasting and low-block tactics in the second leg to protect their aggregate lead and kill the rhythm of the match.

The former Marumo Gallants mentor was vehement in his rejection of such an approach, emphasising the broader role football professionals play.

“I’m not buying this behaviour. It’s very important to show a good example, I always say that football is a bridge between the countries and the people,” Ouaddou stated.

He stressed that players have a “duty” to children dreaming of becoming professionals, and he refuses to endorse such methods.

“I will never teach such bad behaviour to my players. The answer to everything should be on the pitch through playing football, beating the opponents by scoring goals, not cheating,” he insisted.

Pirates Coach Ouaddou Praising South African Hospitality

While refusing to elaborate on the poor treatment his side allegedly received during the away leg in Lubumbashi—to avoid sounding like he was making “excuses”—Ouaddou contrasted that experience with the spirit of South African football.

“I thank the mentality of South Africans, the hospitality and how we welcome people in the stadium because football should be a show and party,” he said.

Ouaddou concluded by expressing disappointment that some clubs fail to grasp the importance of the image they project: “Unfortunately, some clubs don’t understand the power of the image we give to the people, so I don’t want to go too far on that.” The focus now for Pirates, he added, must shift immediately to their next competition.