Ouaddou backs Mokobodi to become key Pirates player

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says new signing Thapelo Mokobodi has quickly adapted to life at the club and believes the midfielder can develop into an important part of his side.

Mokobodi joined the Soweto club in July from Stellenbosch after spending part of the 2026/27 pre-season preparing with Gavin Hunt’s team. That experience helped him arrive at Pirates in good physical condition, despite missing much of the Buccaneers’ early preparations under Ouaddou.

The 23-year-old has made an encouraging start with the Betway Premiership defending champions, and Ouaddou says the player’s rapid progress is the result of several factors.

The Pirates coach had already worked with Mokobodi at Marumo Gallants, giving him a detailed understanding of the midfielder’s ability before the transfer was completed.

“Look, first of all, it’s a boy that I know very well. I know his quality from my previous club. I know what he can give us, what he’s able to do,” Ouaddou told journalists.

Mokobodi’s time with Stellenbosch also played an important role in ensuring he was ready to join Pirates. Hunt’s side had already begun its pre-season programme before the midfielder switched clubs, allowing him to complete the initial stage of his preparations.

“Physically, I think he started the pre-season in Stellenbosch with Gavin Hunt and when you know Gavin Hunt, the way that he’s playing, the way that he wants his team playing, you can guess that he had the first beginning of the preparation very good.

“So he just came with us to finish the last phase of the preparation. His style of play suits very well to the way that we want to play.

“He’s somebody that is clever. He’s somebody that integrates quickly and it’s a boy that took his chance.”

Ouaddou believes Mokobodi’s ability to settle in quickly has been matched by his willingness to seize the opportunity presented by a move to one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.

The coach used the image of a fast-moving train to underline the importance of being ready to act when a chance arrives.

“I always say that when the train stops at the station, you need to climb in that train, especially when it’s a high-speed train,” he added.

“So you need to be inside because sometimes the train doesn’t stop too much every time in every station.

“So he’s in the train and I hope he will continue to grow and to improve and to be one of the key players in our system.”

Mokobodi’s arrival from Stellenbosch came as Pirates prepared to defend their Betway Premiership title. Although he was not involved in the full pre-season schedule at his new club, Ouaddou says the work completed under Hunt ensured he was able to contribute quickly.

The Pirates manager’s previous knowledge of the player, combined with Mokobodi’s physical preparation and understanding of the team’s style, has helped accelerate his integration into the squad. Ouaddou now hopes the midfielder can maintain his progress and establish himself as one of the central figures in the Buccaneers’ system.