Mokobodi makes immediate impact as Pirates target fifth successive MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has credited Gavin Hunt with laying the foundations for Thapelo Mokobodi’s impressive start to life at the club.

The 23-year-old midfielder has started Pirates’ past three matches, all of which have ended in victory. The run began with league wins over Chippa United and Sekhukhune United before Pirates defeated Sekhukhune again in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final in Polokwane.

Mokobodi’s emergence has been particularly timely for Pirates, who have been without key central midfielders Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha because of injuries since the beginning of the season.

Although the club have considerable depth in midfield, Mokobodi has quickly established himself in Ouaddou’s side. He has shown composure in possession, an ability to close down spaces effectively when the team is out of possession and accuracy when distributing the ball.

His adjustment has been all the more notable because he did not travel with Pirates for their pre-season tour of Marbella, Spain. However, the midfielder had already completed part of his pre-season preparation under Hunt at Stellenbosch, where Ouaddou previously worked with him.

Ouaddou said that work had helped Mokobodi understand the demands of the team and allowed him to settle quickly at Pirates.

“He is a boy that I know very well. I know his qualities from my previous club, and I know what he can give us,” Ouaddou said. “He started pre-season with Gavin Hunt at Stellenbosch, and when you know Gavin Hunt and how he wants his teams to play, you know the player has been prepared well.

“So, he just came in and finished the last phase of preparation with us. His style of play suits our approach. He’s clever, which makes him easy to integrate. He took his chance. I always say that when a train stops at the station, you need to jump on board, especially if it’s a high-speed train.

“He is on the train now, and I hope he continues to grow and improve to become a key player in our system.”

Mokobodi’s form will be tested again on Saturday, when Pirates face Sekhukhune at Orlando Stadium in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00, with Pirates seeking to reach a fifth successive MTN8 final. Their advantage comes from the first-leg victory in Polokwane, while another positive result would extend the momentum generated by their three consecutive wins since Mokobodi entered the starting line-up.

Ouaddou will hope the midfielder can continue to contribute both defensively and in possession as Pirates attempt to complete their progress to the competition’s final.