Mokobodi shines as Pirates unveil another set of Soweto Derby debutants

Orlando Pirates once again featured six Soweto Derby debutants, with Thapelo Mokobodi delivering a man-of-the-match performance as Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side continued the club’s recent tradition of introducing new players to the fixture.

Mokobodi was the standout newcomer in Saturday’s derby, providing two assists during his midfield performance. He was joined on the Pirates debutants list by Simphiwe Masilela, Simphiwe Selepe, Mpho Padime, Gamphani Lungu and Mthetheleli Mthiyane.

It was the second successive season in which Pirates had fielded half a dozen players in the iconic fixture for the first time.

In the opening derby of last season, Lebone Seema, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Yanela Mbuthuma and Masindi Nemtajela made their debuts as Pirates won 3-0.

Ouaddou’s early belief in Mokobodi

Mokobodi, who wears number 33 for Pirates, joined the club from Stellenbosch FC at the beginning of the season. He had previously worked with Ouaddou at Marumo Gallants.

The Pirates manager said he had identified the midfielder’s ability before the wider South African football audience took notice.

“Mokobodi, I know him from Marumo Gallants. When I arrived in January, February, Marumo was, I think, at the bottom of the league…,” Ouaddou told the media.

“I came there. They had 40 players, you know. Some of them were working on the side, normal training, and the other ones were working on the other side, and he was in the other team.

“I decided to organise a friendly game for these people who were sitting on the side, and I straight away saw the quality and was surprised why this boy was on the side.

“I was so happy that the club brought him here to Pirates and I knew what he could bring to us. If I have to talk about his quality, he is a box-to-box [midfielder]; he is someone who is able to run distances.”

Ouaddou said Mokobodi’s qualities extended beyond his ability to cover ground, praising his awareness, work-rate and character.

“He is somebody who is clever; he can see before receiving the ball, he can score, he can assist, he can recover the ball.

“And what is important is that he is a professional and has strong values as a human being.

“He is very respectful of the teammates and the club.

“So, this boy, I predict a great future for this boy, and he is definitely one of the best midfielders in the country,” said Ouaddou.

Saturday’s match was Mokobodi’s 15th appearance for Pirates.

Photo: Alche Greeff/Gallo Images