Makhehleni Makhaula leaps to the defence of Ouaddou over showboating

Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula has come to the defence of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou over his firm stance against showboating, which has sparked a widespread debate.

The Bucs mentor has been vocal about his displeasure with the theatrics on the ball since taking over the hotseat, with Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela the latest players to be reprimanded.

Ouaddou, as a result, has been accused of trying to change the South African football culture by several figures of the football fraternity, in a topic that has divided opinions.

However, Makhaula has defended his coach, setting the record straight that the Moroccan tactician takes no issue with showboating but simply prioritizes putting opponents to the sword.

“For me, I don't think it's criticism. The coach is always saying to us, 'You can do whatever you want as long as the score is 4-0 and as long as whatever you're doing you eliminate a player'," said the veteran midfielder.

"I think it's not criticism, the coach only wants a result, and after a result if it's 3-0 or 4-0 then you can do whatever you want with the ball.

With Pirates having sanctioned the sales of the influential Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, among others, the 36-year-old anchor man has hailed the swift adaptation of the new faces that have come into the team.

“I think these boys that they've brought in are really matured, they have adapted quickly. We obviously thought they won't adapt but we helped them as senior players,” Makhaula added.

"We've brought in players that have been playing in the PSL, I think they know the league and obviously it was easy for them to adapt.

"And it was for us as senior players to teach them the culture of the team and how we want them to adapt to the philosophy.

Pirates, meanwhile, return to action with a humdinger of the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, and Makhaula will be eager to make his first appearance of the 2026/27 campaign.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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