I'm not a fireman

Toroccan-born Abdeslam Ouaddou has left his role as Marumo Gallants coach after saving the team from relegation and nearly helping them qualify for the MTN8. After hauling Gallants out of the relegation quagmire in only four months and guiding the team to safety, it was announced that Ouaddou was stepping down. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Thomas Kwenaite, the former FC Nancy and Fulham defender expresses his admiration for the Betway Premiership, the roles of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as the importance of the Diski Challenge. Ouaddou further explains why he did not renew his contract with Bahlabane Ba Ntwa.

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Thomas Kwenaite: Coach, after what looked like an excellent season with Marumo Gallants, why have you resigned?

Abdeslam Ouaddou: No, I did not resign. The mission was for four months, and after that we would have talks, sadly, these talks were not fruitful for many reasons. Remember, I came during a difficult time when the team was lying 15th on the league table. I made an audit to understand why this club had been struggling for many years, and I gave the summary report to the chairman. I told him, “Look, I’m happy to try to save the club and I think we will do it. But afterwards, we need to build a sustainable model because I don’t like to come here and every year we struggle.” I don’t like the profile of such a coach. I'm not a fireman. I am a man who builds sustainable projects. For that, one needs facilities, equipment, and the vision of a professional club. My vision and game model don’t quite suit amateur behaviour.

TK: Hold on, coach....

AO: I want to build a strong foundation. I'm happy to continue with Gallants, but as long as I don’t have these guarantees... remember, I'm a winner. I want to win. I don’t come to a club with the intention to fail. If I see there are no guarantees, no facilities, no gym nor proper training ground, no offices, I certainly don’t want to throw myself into the lion’s den. I'm a professional guy. I know exactly what I want. I was managing the team and writing a project proposal for the next season. I gave the report to the club. But are they able to respond to my wishes? I did not resign. The mission was to save the club. Then afterwards, to sit around a table and we will maybe negotiate, not especially about money, no, but about the tools that would help me succeed.

TK: When you look back at your time with the club, what memories come flooding back?