Ouaddou’s workload management strategy for Mbokazi delivers ideal results

By Velile Mnyandu
7th November 2025

For the first time in two months, Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana reliable centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi got the much-needed rest, when he started the game against Golden Arrows from the bench, something head coach Abdeslam says was necessary.

Mbokazi, who has played a total of 17 matches in all competitions for Pirates, has done so in just four months and has been the pillar of Ouaddou’s team.

Besides Pirates, he has also been an ever-present figure for coach Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana, and Ouaddou says resting him against Arrows was the ideal thing to.

"We have to take into account the physical integrity of the players, and the number of competitions and matches they are playing in.

"But at the same time, it is not easy for the coach to keep the competition within the team very high."

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This weekend, the Buccaneers get an opportunity to secure their place in the second cup final of the season. They have remained in Durban for tomorrow’s Carling Knockout first semifinal against Richards Bay FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

After having won his first trophy in South African football in September, lifting the MTN8 title in Mbombela, Ouaddou has shared more of what it would mean to lead his team to another final...

"It is very important to prepare well and to analyse the opponent very carefully. I think it will be a very tough game tomorrow because, first of all, we are playing in their backyard.

"My club is very ambitious, and my team really wants to qualify for another cup final."

Pirates’ elimination from the CAF Champions League has also meant that Ouaddou would have to allocate game time to a number of players in his large squad. The former Moroccan international captain shares how he manages to do that without affecting the quality of the team’s play.

"20-30 years ago, we didn't have as many competitions as we have today. As a modern coach, you have to create a new environment for managing the players. So you have to put in the right management structures that fits into your philosophy."

Pirates goal scorers in the midweek game were two players who come from the KwaZulu-Natal province, Nkosikhona Ndaba and Yanela Mbuthuma, both former Richards Bay players.

As they head to their first game against their former team, Ouaddou also touched on the importance of their psychological readiness for this game.