Orlando Pirates News: Midfielder tipped to move overseas

Latest Orlando Pirates news, including Thapelo Mokobodi tipped to move overseas soon and a club legend’s CAF Champions League concern.

Latest Orlando Pirates News

Pirates star tipped to move abroad soon

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi has been tipped to move abroad soon.

Mokobodi has been a revelation since signing for Pirates from Stellenbosch FC with the 23-year-old collecting three Man of the Match awards already this season from 14 games.

That includes against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby last Saturday when his two assists helped Pirates to a 2-1 win.

So far, he has three goals and four assists, while his three Man of the Match awards are the joint highest in the PSL.

Mokobodi’s energy, vision and eye for goal has made him a fan favourite as coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges challenge on multiple fronts and he is now being tipped to join Relebohile Mofokeng oversees soon.

Thapelo Mokobodi of Orlando Pirates. Image: Orlando Pirates

“This young man Mokobodi, there’s a gem in that boy,” former Pirates player Innocent Chikoya told KickOff.

“Whether he is defending or attacking, you will love him. He gives us that thing we call ‘third man running’. For someone coming from the midfield, he breaks the line easily. He is a special player.

“If he keeps playing the way he did, very soon he will be jetting out of the country and following the likes of Rele Mofokeng abroad. Mokobodi he is naturally gifted that boy,” he added.

Bucs legend highlights Champions League ‘weakness’

Paul Padime of Orlando Pirates celebrates his goal. Image: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane is concerned about his ex-club’s lack of experience which he feels could affect their CAF Champions League campaign.

Pirates will face off with Moroccan club RS Berkane, Tanzania giants Simba SC and Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive in what is a challenging group but while Zwane feels they have the quality to make the group stage, he is not sure if the young squad can handle the pressure.

“You know, I can say it’s an easy draw for lack of a better word. I think Pirates can deal with those teams and advance to the knockout phase,” Zwane told FARPost.

Yanela Mbuthuma of Orlando Pirates celebrates his goal in the Soweto derby. Image: Orlando Pirates

“However, my issue with Pirates of late, which we have seen in their last two to four games, is that I’m not too sure if they have sufficient experience in terms of what it takes to compete and win on the continent.

“So, from a football point of view, and also from a talent point of view, I have no doubt about the squad. I think these boys have the talent to play well. But I don’t know if they have the mental strength, historical exposure, and maybe even the understanding.

“You know, competing in Africa requires more than just playing. It requires mental strength, stubbornness, and aggression. Even if you have been through those experiences, you need players who will stand up when things get tough, be able to put their hands up, and fight for the badge.”