Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised African Stars chairman Salomo Hei‘s ambition and professionalism, while explaining how the Buccaneers looked to use their fitness advantage in their CAF Champions League second preliminary round qualifier.
Pirates secured a 1-0 away victory over the Namibian champions in the first leg on Saturday, despite African Stars not having started their domestic league campaign.
Ouaddou acknowledged that the lack of competitive football could have affected their opponents, but insisted they had other ways to prepare for the encounter, including friendly matches.
“We know they didn’t start the league, there are many ways to get players fit, having studied their team, knowing how ambitious their Chairman is, how professional he is, he’s young like our Chairman, like the Chairman of Sundowns, like the board of Kaizer Chiefs,” Ouaddou said.
The Pirates coach also expressed his pride at seeing young African leaders taking charge of football clubs, believing their ambition and understanding of the game could help drive the continent’s football forward.
“I saw him and I said as an African coach, I am very proud to see young leaders taking over, taking football, it’s a model, this type of Chairmans, in Africa – who are going to lift this African football. We can dream, we can dream with these Chairmen,” he added.
Ouaddou highlighted the importance of having leadership that understands the football ecosystem, while acknowledging that African Stars had made efforts to ensure their players were prepared despite the absence of league fixtures.
“Knowing sport, knowing the eco-system of football, typically like our Chairmen. So saying that, I know they had alternative ways to prepare, many friendly games, of course it doesn’t replace the league, but I have seen good staff. Eight or seven staff, means they are well organised,” he continued.
The Moroccan tactician suggested Pirates expected to benefit physically as the match progressed, provided they maintained their intensity and defensive organisation.
“For us, we knew we’d many have an advantage in the second half, if we keep strong, maybe at the later stage of the game, we can have a physical advantage.”
Pirates will now turn their attention to the return leg in South Africa, where they will look to finish the job and secure their place in the CAF Champions League group stages.