During the tense match between Orlando Pirates and Durban City, both benches engaged in heated verbal exchanges. The game, held at the Orlando Amstel Arena, ended in a goalless draw, but not without controversy.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed the incident following the match, clarifying that the situation was not unusual. He indicated that his reactions were in response to the physicality exhibited by Durban City towards his players.
“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,” Ouaddou stated. He emphasized the importance of protecting players and the need for safety on the field.
Highlighting the role of football as a model for younger generations, Ouaddou added, “We don’t have to forget that in the stands there are children. We have to be an example; football has to be a bridge, and example, a model for the next generation.”
After the match, Ouaddou reported that he and Durban City’s coach, Pitso Dladla, resolved their differences amicably. “We had a chat with the coach at the end, and everything is okay. He understands me and just apologised, and I congratulated him for the good game they had,” he remarked. Following this result, Pirates will need to secure a victory against Orbit College next weekend in Mbombela to clinch the PSL title.