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Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made a bold statement that defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a player who would fit in perfectly at one of the top European clubs.
Ouaddou made this comment after watching the 19-year-old Pirates captain put on a stellar performance at the heart of Pirates’ defence, marking out both Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales.
This was during their hard-fought one-all draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in an MTN8 first-leg semifinal at Orlando Stadium yesterday.
With good guidance, Ouaddou says Mbokazi can go far in his career.
"Let me be very honest, if Mbokazi continues to work and improve, and takes care of his body, he can go on to have an unbelievable future for some of the big clubs in Europe.
"That said, he needs to remain focused and humble," said Ouaddou.
After trailing one-nil at halftime to a Teboho Mokoena headed goal from a corner kick, Pirates managed to find an equaliser three minutes from full-time from a well-taken transition moment from Kamogelo Sebelebele, who scored his first goal in the famous black and white colours.
Ouaddou reflects on the game...
"We created some really good chances in the first half, but we were not efficient enough. After conceding the goal from the set piece, we decided to re-adjust a few things, introduce fresh legs, and my players did really well to respond."
Ouaddou made five changes to the team that lost 2-1 to Marumo Gallants midweek in a league game, including the return of Thalente Mbatha and Deano van Rooyen to the match-day squad and starting lineup.
There was a lot of noise this past week towards the former Moroccan national team captain after back-to-back losses in the league.
Ouaddou shared what kept him positive during this challenging period.
"You need passion and energy for this kind of job, and when you don't get results, you should anticipate frustration and doubts as a coach, but we are trying to find our best solution, and we will not stop believing."
The second leg of this semifinal will be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville next Saturday, with Sundowns enjoying the away goal advantage.
