Ouaddou credits Thierry Henry’s book for his Pirates mindset

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained where some of his demanding coaching approach comes from, after a win over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby on Saturday, IOL reported.

The Moroccan was highly animated on the touchline. According to IOL, he kicked objects in frustration, loosened his tie and at one point lay on the ground beside the pitch. At the final whistle, the mood changed completely, and he celebrated with a clenched fist and pointed towards the sky.

A derby win with a friend watching

The result left Pirates still without a defeat after nine matches in the Betway Premiership. It also kept their campaign moving in the right direction. For Ouaddou, it was his second derby victory in three matches, after an earlier draw. He also got the better of Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz.

The win had extra meaning because his friend, Thierry Henry, was in attendance. Henry was at the match as Betway’s global ambassador, and the two shared a moment before kick-off.

The lesson from Henry’s father

Ouaddou said he had been reading Henry’s book and singled out a passage about the former France striker’s father. As a youngster in a Paris youth team, Henry would score five goals and expect praise, but his father was unhappy and felt his son should have scored more.

Ouaddou, who played for 17 years before moving into coaching, said the job is not an easy one. "I am pushed by excellence," he said, adding that he wants the best for a club as big as Pirates.

Why he pushes his players

Ouaddou admitted that he sometimes shouts at players who do not meet his expectations. He believes this helps build a strong mentality. "I like to push my players every time to be excellent," he said.

He described himself as both a big brother and a coach to his squad. He said the effect of his emotion depends on the profile of each player. In his view, it can drive some players to improve, while those without a strong mentality may find it a challenge.

The derby win and his comments offer a clear picture of the culture Ouaddou is trying to build at Pirates, where high standards and visible passion go hand in hand.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.