Ouaddou backs Orlando Pirates midfielder Mokobodi for ‘great future’

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi has been tipped to become one of South Africa’s leading players after starring in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

The 23-year-old produced two assists as Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Saturday, earning the Player of the Match award.

Mokobodi created Yanela Mbuthuma’s opening goal before setting up Tshepang Moremi to score the winner, underlining his growing influence in the Orlando Pirates midfield.

His progress has been particularly rewarding for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who first recognised the player’s ability during their time together at Marumo Gallants.

Ouaddou said Mokobodi was among a group of players training separately from the main squad when he arrived at the club. Marumo Gallants were bottom of the league at the time and had about 40 players.

“I know him from Marumo Gallants, when I arrived that January, I think Marumo were bottom of the league and they had a squad of about 40 players and some of them were working as one group and the others on the side and he was a part of the players on the side,” he said.

Rather than overlook the players who had been placed on the sidelines, Ouaddou arranged a friendly match to assess their quality. Mokobodi and Khumbulani Ncube quickly impressed him.

“I organised a friendly for the players on the side and straight away I saw the quality, him and (Khumbulani) Ncube and these two guys helped secure our position in the top flight.”

That performance laid the foundation for Mokobodi’s eventual move to Orlando Pirates, where he was reunited with Ouaddou.

The coach said he was delighted when the club signed the midfielder and believes his ability allows him to contribute across the pitch.

“I was so happy when the club brought him here at Pirates and I knew what he can bring and if I have to speak about his quality, he’s a box to box, he covers distances, he’s very clever, can see before he receives the ball, he can score and assist and he can recover the ball.”

Ouaddou also praised Mokobodi’s conduct away from his technical qualities, pointing to his respect for his team-mates and the club.

“What is most important is he is a professional, he has strong values as a human being, very respectful of his teammates and the club. I predict a great future for this boy and he’s definitely one of the best midfielders in the country.”

The Soweto Derby display represents another important stage in Mokobodi’s development at Orlando Pirates, following the trust he earned through his performances at Marumo Gallants.