As a professional coach, Abdelslam Waddu considers discipline on the field to be the most important aspect, as he is most satisfied when players follow instructions and play effectively and intelligently.
Orlando Pirates has reduced the gap to the leaders of the Betway Premiership, Mamelodi Sundowns, to just four points, after defeating Durban City 2-0 at Orlando Stadium on Thursday evening. Waddu was mainly pleased with his players' performance in the second half, not just the final result.
He highly praised the constructive and professional play after previously criticizing them for showy actions in the CAF Champions League group stage match, which ended with a 3-1 victory over their previous opponent.
Despite this, criticism of the young players did not gain widespread support. Some believed that he was too harsh and did not demonstrate full commitment to the project, as he regularly threatened to stop training, pack up, and leave the club if the situation did not improve.
Coach's comments after the match
Addressing the press after the game at the arena, Waddu began by stating his brevity, as his explanations had been taken out of context. However, he used Simphiwe Masilela's impressive performance that evening as an example of what he expects from his young attacking group.
Waddu noted: "We have a young team, and there are pros and cons. When you are young and have the freshness to put in the effort, I like it. If you saw Masilela today, I was happy. I don't demand this from myself. This is the football I like. It is a high level. I push him to be that effective and play clean football. He must discard everything else. I am happy!"
Acknowledging that mistakes are an inherent part of the game, Waddu emphasized that it is crucial for players to take responsibility, as this is the only way for them to grow and learn. He continued: "My job as a coach is to improve players—young players—so that they play this kind of football. Yes, they can make mistakes. If you play higher up as a midfielder or forward, it is fine. But if you are a defender, only the goalkeeper can help."
Waddu added that having spent most of his career abroad, he wishes his players to reach the same level or, even better, continue helping Pirates achieve great heights. He concluded: "I don't yell at my players because I want to kill them; I want them to become the best, continue winning titles with Pirates, and perhaps sign contracts with European clubs. If I see them playing well, I am the happiest coach. Today I was happy with the young players." He added that if he saw himself in a clown costume, it would mean something was wrong, as he constantly trains and wants to work with highly professional players, and on this day he saw professionals.
