Ouaddou Opens Up On Managing Players In A Busy Season
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared valuable insights on managing his players effectively, particularly in a season where the Buccaneers are juggling multiple competitions.
Following their 3-0 victory over Lesotho giants Lioli in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round at Toyota Stadium on Saturday, Ouaddou spoke about the importance of building strong relationships with his players.
“Even when I coached in DRC at Vita Club, we had a couple of competitions as well, so you need to manage at least 40 players like I did at Vita Club,” Ouaddou said.
“So, it’s a big number of players. But to answer your question, I’ve learned a lot from my playing days and from some managers like Arsène Wenger that I spoke to many times about that.”
Ouaddou emphasized the significance of being honest, trustworthy, and approachable with his players.
“In that moment, to have everybody around you, it’s very important to be honest with the players, trust the players, and be close to the players,” he said.
“It’s not something that you have to learn in high school or a school of management; it’s just about being human and being true with your players. Don’t lie to the players, and they will give you everything on the pitch.”
This approach, according to Ouaddou, is something he adopts at every club he joins.
“Of course, you will need some tactical competencies, quality of organization about the shape, but also we must never forget the human being because we’re training human beings,” he added.
This season has been particularly demanding for the Buccaneers, who are participating in the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, and have already concluded the MTN8 Cup by winning it in the previous two weeks.
With a busy schedule ahead, Pirates will return to the league on Tuesday, visiting struggling Siwelele at Free State Stadium. On Saturday, the Buccaneers will face Lioli in the second leg, aiming to reach the second preliminary round.
In the Carling Knockout, interestingly, the Buccaneers were paired with Siwelele in the round of 16 in the draw conducted during the launch at FNB Stadium on Monday.
