Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has offered insight into Abdeslam Ouaddou’s stance on showboating, insisting the Pirates head coach’s criticism is more about end product than flair.
Ouaddou caused a stir earlier this season when he described excessive showboating as a “circus”, raising questions about how his philosophy would fit with a Pirates squad packed with players renowned for their skill and individual ability.
However, Mbatha believes the coach’s message has been misunderstood.
Speaking at their media open day ahead of the MTN8 final, the South Africa international explained that Ouaddou is not necessarily against players entertaining supporters but wants them to prioritise producing results.
“Coach doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t like showboating, coach is a person who likes goals and likes playing direct football, but the moment you score more goals, he is a person who can let you showboat,” Mbatha said when asked by iDiski Times how his statement has been received in the squad.
“I believe in terms of him speaking about not liking showboating things, it’s because the goals are not enough, so the more you put four or five goals in the back of the net, he lets you do your own thing.”
Mbatha also highlighted the relationship Ouaddou has developed with the younger players at Pirates, with the French-Moroccan coach having a particular focus on players coming through the club’s development structures.
The midfielder believes Ouaddou’s own experience as a professional footballer allows him to understand the importance of giving young players an opportunity to express themselves.
“And coach is one person who is really friendly and able to help youngsters,” Mbatha added.
“He played 17 years in the top professional league, so I believe it’s something that will continue. I’m encouraging these youngsters coming through from DDC and I believe it’s something that coach really wants.”
For Mbatha, therefore, Ouaddou’s message is not about removing the flair that has long been associated with Pirates.
Instead, the midfielder believes the coach wants his attacking players to earn that freedom by delivering where it matters most — on the scoreboard.