Orlando Pirates head coach Ouaddou has been effusive in his praise for stand-in skipper Mbekezeli Mbokazi. The defender only turned 20 in September.
The young defender scored the only goal in Pirates’ narrow win over Siwelele in the Telkom Knockout.
Let’s hear what his boss has to say.
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Ouaddou is full of praise for Orlando Pirates superstar
Mbokazi’s rapid rise isn’t lost on new Moroccan manager Abdeslam Ouaddou.
“Let me be very honest. You have to be careful when you compliment someone, they stop working,” Ouaddou told the media. “But I have to say it, as a coach, when I compliment a player that is doing well, it’s good for their mentality, confidence, and self-esteem.
“This guy [Mbokazi], if he continues to work, continues to be professional and take care of his lifestyle, I think he has a great future.
“I have seen him again today [Saturday], he is just unbelievable, it’s a performance for big clubs in Europe, and we are happy to have him at Orlando Pirates, a big club in Africa, but he has to keep working,” the Orlando Pirates mentor concluded.
Can Mbokazi play in other positions for Orlando Pirates
20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi already looks like the finished article at centre-back with his cultured passing and impressive physicality. Ex-Swallows midfielder Andries Mpondo sees another role for the impressive star, though.
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Where is Thabiso Sesane?
Thabiso Sesane started the 2024-2025 campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane’s rehabilitation continues going smoothly, he could be back in training after the international break and eyeing a return in October.
Will Orlando Pirates’ skipper get his place back in the side?