Ouaddou urges Pirates players to match Mofokeng’s ambition

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged his players to follow the example set by Relebohile Mofokeng after the forward made an impressive start to his career in Europe.

Mofokeng left Pirates in July for Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, having played an important role in the Buccaneers’ Betway Premiership title success last season.

The 21-year-old Bafana Bafana attacker has quickly established himself abroad. He scored his fourth goal for Union SG on Thursday as they beat Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League in the Czech Republic.

Ouaddou, who worked with Mofokeng at Pirates, said the youngster’s attitude and desire to move forward were standards his current squad should aim to match.

“When I am a bit hard with my players, it’s the example that we have to follow if we are ambitious, and this boy was very ambitious,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.

“Orlando Pirates is building stories since many, many years now, since decades, and credit has to be given to the club.

“All what he was doing last season in our team, it was all the time forward, so I’m happy for him. I hope he’s going to continue.”

Mofokeng’s latest goal has added to a promising opening period with Union SG, following several seasons in which he developed into one of Pirates’ leading attacking players.

His move to Belgium represented the next stage of that progress, while his performances in the UEFA Europa League have also raised the profile of his former club.

“It’s very good for the club as well in Europe,” Ouaddou said. “It gives a very good image for the brand of Orlando Pirates in Europe.”

Although pleased with Mofokeng’s progress, Ouaddou said the player’s performances abroad should also reinforce the level of commitment he expects from those who remain at the Soweto-based club.

Mofokeng’s development at Pirates helped him earn the opportunity to continue his career in Europe, and his early impact at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise has provided a clear illustration of the ambition Ouaddou wants his squad to display.