Makhehlene Makhaula on showboating at Orlando Pirates

What did Makhehlene Makhaula say about showboating?

Makhaula, an Orlando Pirates midfielder, defended head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou amid discussion about the coach’s attitude to showboating. Makhaula said he did not see the coach’s remarks as criticism of flair itself. He described Ouaddou as someone who wants a result first. ²

Makhaula said players could do what they wanted when Pirates were leading by three or four goals, and added that a skillful move should help eliminate an opponent. In this context, “eliminate” means getting past a player, not removing someone from a competition. ²

Does Abdeslam Ouaddou ban showboating at Pirates?

The available reports do not establish a blanket ban. Makhaula’s account is that the coach prioritizes the score and the usefulness of what a player does with the ball. ²

Thalente Mbatha has offered a similar explanation. He said Ouaddou likes goals and direct football, but may allow players to showboat once they have scored more goals. ¹ These are players’ descriptions of the coach’s approach, rather than a written club policy.

Why are people talking about Pirates and showboating?

The subject has prompted debate about whether a coach should discourage on-ball tricks and other displays of flair. Foot-Africa reports that Ouaddou has been vocal about disliking theatrics on the ball and that players Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela were among those reprimanded. ²

That report says some people in football have accused Ouaddou of trying to change South African football culture. Makhaula’s defence presents another view: the coach is not against flair as such, but wants players to prioritize beating opponents and securing results. ²

What does this mean for an ordinary football fan?

It means that, according to the players quoted, Pirates’ approach is not simply “no tricks.” The distinction is between skill that helps a team make progress and showmanship that does not serve the immediate goal of winning or creating a useful advantage. ¹²

For a viewer, that can help explain why a coach might welcome a successful dribble in one situation but object to a flourish in another. The reports do not give a formal test for what counts as useful, so the judgment appears to depend on the match situation and the coach’s view.

What is still unclear about the coach’s position?

The reports provide players’ explanations, but do not include a detailed statement from Ouaddou setting out a complete policy. They also do not specify exactly which tricks are acceptable, when a player might be reprimanded, or whether the guidance differs by match situation. ¹²

The discussion is therefore best understood as a description of the coach’s priorities, not proof that every instance of showboating is either allowed or forbidden.