Ouaddou praises Mokobodi and Selepe after Orlando Pirates midfield masterclass

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised the emerging midfield partnership of Mokobodi and Selepe after the pair helped secure a 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Sunday.

The Buccaneers controlled much of the match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng, with the two midfielders playing central roles in a convincing victory that strengthened the club’s title challenge.

Mokobodi was named Man of the Match after dictating the tempo and creating Orlando Pirates’ opening goal for Kabelo Kgositsile. The midfielder has now played in all three of the club’s domestic fixtures this cycle.

Ouaddou, who previously worked with Mokobodi at Marumo Gallants, said the player had made an immediate impression since arriving at Orlando Pirates.

“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 told SuperSport TV.

“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 for his teammates.”

Mokobodi’s passing and sustained work rate have added an attacking threat to the centre of the pitch, while Selepe has provided the positional discipline needed to protect the defence and maintain control against physically demanding top-flight opposition.

Ouaddou was particularly pleased with Selepe’s contribution to the team’s balance.

“He managed to keep us balanced and to be the link between the defence and the attack. He was really, really top in the middle,” the Moroccan said.

The partnership has developed more quickly because of an injury crisis in midfield. Regular options Thalente Mbatha and Sihle Nduli are both currently sidelined with their respective injuries.

Selepe has made two appearances during the current run, stepping into a deeper midfield role and offering the defensive cover and awareness required to manage the pace of matches.

The victory was Orlando Pirates’ third domestic fixture involving Mokobodi and gave the Sea Robbers three important points away from home. They moved up to second place in the log table with 19 points from seven matches.

Orlando Pirates are now one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while also having a game in hand.