Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the squad does not rely on individuals and feels they have enough depth to deal with the exit of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
The 20-year-old became a mainstay in the Pirates defence after his promotion from the DStv Diski Challenge squad and was named official vice-captain of the team at the start of the season.
His form earned him a place in the senior national team where he played every minute of their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco until the last-16 exit at the hands of Cameroon.
But prior to the continental showpiece, he sealed a $3-million transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire – with his place in the starting line-up now taken by club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, alongside Lebone Seema.
“Yes you know there were many questions around the departure of Mbokazi but you know we have a fantastic group, we have good defenders and the guys [Seema and Sibisi] did well today and our philosophy is not counting on one player,” Ouaddou said.
“When we’re strong defensively, when we have clean sheets it’s due to the collective, not only one player. Of course he was important but I’m sure the guys will do a fantastic job, you can see, they proved it today.”
Ouaddou was speaking in the post-match press conference after their 0-0 draw with Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.