AS Vita fans expressed frustration during the match against Stellenbosch FC, targeting head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who was equally annoyed. The Moroccan-born mentor shockingly announced his resignation during the post-match press conference without informing the club or his players. (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
Cape Town Stadium
- Stellenbosch FC secured a 2-0 victory over AS Vita in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary second round first leg, with goals from Thabo Moloisane and Lehlohonolo Mojela.
- Frustrated AS Vita fans targeted head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, leading to his resignation announcement during the post-match press conference.
- The second leg will be played at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on 22 September, with Stellies holding a two-goal advantage.
- For more Stellenbosch FC news, please visit the News24 local soccer page.
It was an eventful evening at under the Cape Town Stadium floodlights on Friday as Stellenbosch FC floored DR Congo giants AS Vita 2-0 in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary second round.
READ | Moloisane, Mojela sting Congo giants AS Vita as Stellenbosch continue African onslaught
Goals from Thabo Moloisane and Lehlohonolo Mojela sealed the victory to take a two goal cushion into the second leg, scheduled for next week on Sunday, 22 September.
A sizable group of AS Vita fans came out in force to support their team, but midway through the first half, their frustration bubbled over, turning their ire towards head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The Moroccan-born, French-national coach responded with a dismissive wave, which only served to intensify the fans’ anger, turning their frustration into a full-blown display of discontent as they pelted objects at Ouaddou as he entered the tunnel at half time.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 13: Spectators looking on during the CAF Confederation Cup, second preliminary round, 1st leg match between Stellenbosch FC and Vita Club at DHL Stadium on September 13, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 13: Spectators looking on during the CAF Confederation Cup, second preliminary round, 1st leg match between Stellenbosch FC and Vita Club at DHL Stadium on September 13, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 13: Spectators looking on during the CAF Confederation Cup, second preliminary round, 1st leg match between Stellenbosch FC and Vita Club at DHL Stadium on September 13, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
AS Vita, having arrived in the Mother City at 04:00 on matchday due to visa issues, showed signs of improvement in the second half, but Stellenbosch’s prowess ultimately secured them the win.
Yet, the night’s drama didn’t end there.
In a stunning turn of events, Ouaddou – who had joined the Black Dolphins at the beginning of the year and recently clinched the Coupe du Congo – unexpectedly announced his resignation during the post-match press conference.
This shock move came without prior notice to the club, adding a dramatic twist to an already eventful evening as Ouaddou revealed that he cannot these kinds of conditions, arriving to play a match in a country on matchday.
“I think we only started the game in the second half because in the first half we were still in the plane,” Ouaddou told a room filled with Cape Town journalists.
“In football, when you are not organised, when the things are not done well, when the things are not clarified, you have to build the performance.
“I think my players were still in the plane because we arrived at four o’clock in the morning. I don’t know if you can imagine. Twenty four hours before the game, problems of visa, problems of authorisation.
“So, I think I have to congratulate them, to be honest, I think they had a very good second half. I think if we came a little bit before like I had planned on Monday, maybe then it would be another result.
“Now, there is a second match at home, nothing is lost and we have to keep our chin up and believe, and a lot of teams have done it and we can do it.
“We have to congratulate the other side, and the coach, they work well, good philosophy and I’m not surprised what they are doing.
“When you have a vision of football, when you have a vision of a club, you can see what you can see. So I have to congratulate them.
“Next week, I think they will have a very tough game but without me because it was my last game here.”
Asked whether the club or the players knew about his sudden resignation, Ouaddou confirmed that the team will find out from the press conference.
“As a professional coach I cannot continue in these conditions to come before the game, not 24 hours before or even 14 hours before [a game].
“With maybe four or five players [who are] missed in that team because of passport. It’s a very difficult job for me.
“So it was my last game, I wish the best for my team next week because I think they can achieve it.
“The first time the will hear it [resignation] is from this press conference. It’s very big news.”
Stellies will journey to Kinshasa, DR Congo, next Friday via Johannesburg, following their midweek clash against Golden Arrows on Wednesday at 19:30.
The pivotal second leg of their Confederation Cup tie is set for Sunday, 22 September, at the impressive Stade des Martyrs, which boasts a capacity of 80,000.
Stellies are determined to make their mark and secure a spot in the tournament’s group stages.
