“He Is Very Clever”: Ouaddou Raves Over Mokobodi Masterclass
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi for his outstanding form since joining the club from Stellenbosch FC.
Mokobodi provided both assists as the Buccaneers fought past bottom-placed Marumo Gallants in a hard-fought 2-0 Betway Premiership victory at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.
The 23-year-old playmaker first set up Kabelo Kgositsile in the 32nd minute, cushioning a slick flick into the box for Kgositsile to finish past Emile Labo at the far post. It was Kgositsile’s first league goal of the campaign and his second in as many weeks, following his strike against La Cure Waves in the CAF Champions League second-leg preliminary round.
In the 74th minute, Mokobodi delivered a pinpoint corner kick for Nkosinathi Sibisi to rise highest and head home Pirates’ second. It marked the defender’s first goal of the season, having gone goalless during Pirates’ treble-winning campaign last term.
Mokobodi’s brilliant display predictably earned him the Man of the Match award.
The victory moved Pirates to 19 points from seven matches—just one point behind log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, despite having played a game less.
The result also extended the Buccaneers’ unbeaten away streak to 20 matches in all competitions, equaling Sundowns’ historic PSL record set in 2021.
“Even though I don’t like to talk about individuals because it is a collective sport,” said Ouaddou on SuperSport TV.
“I know him from Marumo Gallants. He has a lot of qualities; he is very clever. He can give assists, he can score, and he can make his teammates play.
“He is very good in the middle. But it’s not only him. I was very happy with him, but also with Simphiwe Selepe. He managed to keep the balance and link the defence with the attack.
“He was really top in the middle. I really congratulate him, and I hope he continues to work hard in order to be efficient in the middle.”
With the international break now underway, Pirates trail Sundowns by a single point. Domestic action will resume with a high-stakes blockbuster when the two rivals clash in the MTN8 final on October 10, with the host venue set to be announced next week.
