Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Critiques Kaizer Chiefs Tactics After Soweto Derby Draw
Following the 1‑1 draw between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Sunday, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou voiced strong criticism of the Chiefs’ approach, claiming that their tactics were aimed at disrupting his side’s attacking players rather than playing football.
Match Overview
The Soweto derby, one of the most anticipated fixtures in South African football, ended with each team sharing the points. According to the official Premier Soccer League (PSL) match report, the game featured a series of intense duels in midfield and several hard challenges that drew the attention of both coaches and spectators.
Ouaddou’s Concerns Over Player Safety
Ouaddou singled out three of his attackers—Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Tshepang Moremi—as the primary targets of what he described as rash and dangerous tackles.
He stated that Moremi had to be withdrawn in the 35th minute after sustaining an injury from a challenge that, in his view, crossed the line between competitive play and outright aggression.
- Oswin Appollis – targeted with multiple late challenges
- Relebohile Mofokeng – involved in several high‑impact tackles
- Tshepang Moremi – forced off early due to a heavy tackle
The coach remarked, “When I saw Mofokeng, Appollis and Moremi not winning the ball within the rules but breaking the players’ legs, that is something I cannot accept in football.” He went on to suggest that the contest felt more like a martial‑arts encounter than a soccer match.
Coach’s Reaction and Calls for Better Football
Despite the draw, Ouaddou expressed disappointment, noting that his team had expected a more open, technical contest.
“I think we got the game we expected. When I saw the line‑up, I knew that we would have a lot of duels ahead of us. I think as far as duels go, we lost the battle for the middle and unfortunately there are games like that too.”
He added that the spectacle fell short of what South African fans deserve, emphasizing that the occasion should showcase “beautiful football” rather than physical intimidation.
Ouaddou also took issue with the Chiefs’ post‑match celebrations, suggesting that a draw should not be treated as a victory for a club of their stature.
“It seems the draw was fantastic for such a big club. I think they should be as disappointed as we are because tonight I feel like we lost two points.”
Context of the Soweto Derby
The Orlando Pirates–Kaizer Chiefs rivalry dates back to the early 1970s and is widely regarded as one of the fiercest in African club football. Matches regularly attract crowds exceeding 80,000 at FNB Stadium, the home of the PSL’s showpiece events. Historically, the fixture has produced memorable moments of skill, drama, and, at times, controversy.
Analysts note that while physicality is an inherent part of the derby, maintaining player safety and encouraging attacking football remain priorities for both clubs and the league authorities. The PSL’s disciplinary committee reviews incidents of dangerous play, and any sanctions are based on video evidence and match officials’ reports.
By highlighting the need for a cleaner, more technical contest, Ouaddou’s comments contribute to the ongoing dialogue about how to preserve the excitement of the Soweto derby while safeguarding the well‑being of the players involved.
