Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised Relebohile Mofokeng’s performance on Saturday after helping the team to win the Carling Knockout Cup final.
Mofokeng scored in extra time to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants to secure their second trophy of the season.
The 21-year-old has struggled with injuries this season, with his form affected. Although he didn’t set the final alight, Ouaddou kept him in the game until he scored in the 115th minute.
“The season before he [Mofokeng] played 40-45 matches, he is not a robot,” the Pirates coach told the media.
“I can understand that he was a bit tired; we gave him some rest, and he came back with very good fitness.”
“You can see in the last three, four matches he was part of the success of the team, he did some fantastic assists,” Ouaddou added.
Mofokeng impresses Pirates coach after final
Before the final, Mofokeng won Man of the Match against Durban City last month. His return to form was welcomed by Bucs faithful and it was no surprise that he started Saturday’s final.
Ouaddou confirmed that Mofokeng was still not playing at 100%.
“You can see the difference between a fit Rele Mofokeng and a tired Rele Mofokeng.
“Rele Mofokeng, even at 70% of his possibilities, he can help the team. I cannot imagine when he is 100%. If he is 100%, the President is someone who can make us win the title,” the Pirates coach concluded.