Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised Simphiwe Masilela for cutting out the showboating and playing a cleaner, more efficient game.
The French-Moroccan tactician spoke after Pirates’ 2-0 Betway Premiership win over Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Thursday, when 22-year-old Masilela helped set up Tshepang Moremi’s second-half goal.
Ouaddou said he was pleased with the professionalism of his young players and would sleep easy after seeing high-level football rather than circus antics.
“If you see (Simphiwe) Masilela today, well done. I am not asking for more. This is the football that I like. This is the high level, and I push him to continue to be efficient like that and to play pure football, and leave all these things on the side, and play football,” Ouaddou said.
“I am happy. I have to say it — this is my job, to improve young players to play this kind of football. But at the same time, on the other hand, they commit some mistakes. It depends on the position you are playing. If you are playing higher up, as a midfielder or a striker, it is fine. But if you are young and playing defence, if you make a mistake there is only a goalkeeper behind you.
“Today I was really happy with the young players. If you see me wearing a clown uniform, it means something is wrong. I am training, and I want to train professional players — high-level players. Today I had professional players on the pitch and I was happy. I am smiling. When I go home, I will sleep well.”
Pirates next travel to bottom-side Marumo Gallants on Sunday, a win would cut Mamelodi Sundowns’ lead to one point with two games still in hand.
