Ouaddou hails Mokobodi and Selepe after Orlando Pirates victory

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised midfielders Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Selepe after their influential performances in the 2-0 Betway Premiership win over Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Mokobodi was named Man of the Match after another impressive display, having joined Orlando Pirates from Stellenbosch FC during the current transfer window.

The 23-year-old has made a strong early impression on Ouaddou, who said the midfielder had been “fantastic” since arriving at the club. The coach also highlighted Mokobodi’s intelligence, movement, goalscoring threat and ability to create opportunities for his team-mates.

“Even though I don’t like to speak about individuals because it’s a collective sport. But since he [Mokobodi] came, this boy has been just fantastic,” Ouaddou said on SuperSport.

“I know him from Marumo. He has a lot of activity in the middle, he’s very clever.

“He can give assists, he can score and he can make play his teammates.”

Mokobodi previously played for Marumo Gallants, known as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, before moving to Stellenbosch FC and then joining Orlando Pirates in the current transfer window.

Although he singled out Mokobodi’s contribution, Ouaddou was also pleased with Selepe’s performance in the centre of the pitch.

The coach said Selepe had provided balance to the side and helped connect the defensive and attacking phases of the game.

“He’s reachable in the middle but not only him, I was really happy about Selepe as well today. He managed to keep us the balanced and to be the link between the defence and the attack. He was really, really top in the middle,” he added.

Ouaddou congratulated Selepe for his display and urged him to maintain his work rate as he looks to become more effective in midfield.

“I really congratulate him and I hope he’s going to continue to work hard in order to be efficient in the middle.”