Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained his confrontation with the Durban City FC bench after their goalless draw at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
The outspoken tactician cut a frustrated figure at full-time after tempers flared on the touchline following another physical encounter involving his side.
Ouaddou said his reaction stemmed from concerns over player safety, particularly after seeing his goalkeeper on the receiving end of a late challenge despite the ball already running away from danger.
“There is a difference between playing strong with physicality on the ball and to break the players, this is not the mentality and never will be mine, as first an educator, before being a coach,” he said.
The coach referenced recent injuries suffered by his side, including Moremi’s setback during their clash against Kaizer Chiefs, which ruled the player out for two matches.
“We need to protect the players, if someone cannot protect them in the middle of the pitch, then I have to protect them,” Ouaddou added.
“We don’t have to forget that in the stands there’s children. We have to be an example, football has to be a bridge, and example, a model for the next generation.”
Despite the heated scenes after the final whistle, Ouaddou confirmed the matter was resolved after speaking with the Durban City coach.
“We had a chat with the coach, at the end and everything is okay, he understands me and he just apologised and I congratulated him for the good game they did. We need to be more clever against these types of teams who come and kick you.”