Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has clarified his statement on his future, saying he wanted to people to understand how exhausting it is to work for a club of the calibre of the Buccaneers.
Ouaddou guided the Buccaneers to a domestic treble this season after winning the MTN8, the Carling Knockout and the first Betway Premiership title in 14 years.
In the aftermath of Pirates’ title-decider against Magesi Ouaddou left a cryptical message during his post-match interview with SABC Sport, admitting he is “tired” and needs renewed energy to continue.
During Pirates’ trophy parade, which stopped at several of the club’s sponsors on Thursday, the Moroccan has tried to further explain his statement.
“You people have to understand that I am an honest man. I am an honest man. I’m not like I said, I’m not chasing contracts,” he said when asked by iDiski Times about his comments after their final game.
“The difference between me and some other coaches, it’s that thanks to God, you know, I don’t want to be arrogant, you know, because maybe people can think I am arrogant. I don’t need money because I played 17 years football, and the difference is I can choose. I have the choice, you know, to continue or to stop.
“Why I’m saying that, I’m saying that because to manage to run and to bring happiness to millions of people to such big club, you need definitely to be fit and to have energy. And if you are tired, it’s not honest to go for another season, because you are not going to be honest with such fantastic people.
“So, I am just an honest coach that’s seeing the things from his deepest of his heart, and yes, I felt that psychologically I was tired because it’s been 11 months. When you are managing such big club for 11 months, it’s like you are managing a club for two years, you understand this, and what I wanted to explain to the people.
“But it’s not because I have pressure, not at all, because the pressure I had, I had it for 17 years, I can deal with the pressure, no problem at all. It’s just people have to understand that I am a human being, I am not a robot.
“And many, many coaches in this modern football felt this tiredness and one moment and it’s just to be honest with the with people, that’s it.
“But I love football. I’m working with passion, and I just want to be honest with people.”