Abdeslam Ouaddou denies Mbekezeli Mbokazi MLS move, insists defender remains key for Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he has no knowledge of reports linking defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi with a move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.

The coach dismissed the speculation after Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium, insisting the young defender remains part of his squad.

Reports in recent days suggested that Mbokazi was close to securing a switch to the United States.

Ouaddou, however, made it clear that no such information had reached him and reinforced his position regarding the player.

He stressed that Mbokazi was available for selection, despite being left out against Chippa due to planned squad rotation.

“I am not aware of this news. For me Mbokazi is in my group,” Ouaddou said after the match. He explained that the defender remains one of his key assets and that the decision to exclude him was purely technical.

“The reason he was not in the team is because I rotate players. He is one of the most important players in my group.”

The win moved Pirates level on 25 points with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, though the Buccaneers remain second on goal difference.

Sundowns hold a marginal advantage with a superior goal return, but Pirates have played one match fewer as the league pauses for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

Tuesday’s match also marked a significant moment for the club as two long-term absentees returned to the match day squad.

Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah was named on the bench, while midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula made his first appearance of the season. He came on to loud applause when replacing Thalente Mbatha after the hour mark.