Abdeslam Ouaddou Touts Pirates Youngster for European Move

Orlando Pirates head coach Abseslam Ouaddou believes his teenage captain, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, has the potential to play for a top European club if he continues his current development. 

Ouaddou’s high praise follows the 19-year-old’s impressive performance in a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Saturday.

Mbokazi, who played alongside new signing Lebone Seema, showcased his immense talent and composure as a central defender. His commanding display against one of the league’s top sides affirmed the immense potential that has been evident since his promotion from the DStv Diski Challenge squad last season. 

Mbokazi, a senior South Africa international, has enjoyed a meteoric rise, quickly establishing himself as a key player and a leader for the Buccaneers. His consistent high-level performances against top opposition continue to affirm the belief of his coach that he is on a career trajectory that could take him to the biggest stages in world football.

The young defender’s maturity and tactical awareness belie his age. In a high-stakes match against a formidable opponent like Mamelodi Sundowns, Mbokazi not only held his own but also dictated play from the back. 

His ability to read the game, make crucial interceptions, and initiate attacks from deep positions has drawn comparisons to some of the country’s most talented defenders. 

‘IT’S PERFORMANCE FOR BIG EUROPEAN CLUBS’

“Mbokazi… let me be very honest, and I have to be careful because when you congratulate someone to quickly, I’m afraid he stops working but I have to say it, because as a coach you have to be cautious of hyping players, but when they are doing well, it’s good for their mentality, for their self-esteem that he did well,” Ouaddou said.

“This guy, if he continues to work, if he continues to be professional, if he takes care of his lifestyle, I think he has great future because what I have seen again today, it’s just unbelievable, it’s the performance for big clubs in Europe and we’re happy to have him in Orlando Pirates, a big club in Africa, he’s fantastic – but he has to keep working.”