Ouaddou Backs Mokobodi To Become One Of The Country’s Best Midfielders

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has tipped Thapelo Mokobodi for a stellar future, praising the midfielder following an outstanding, Man of the Match display in Saturday’s Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs.

Mokobodi, who was signed from Stellenbosch during the off-season where he operated primarily as a right-back, has transitioned seamlessly into the Sea Robbers’ setup.

The midfielder proved a constant threat against Chiefs in front of a packed FNB Stadium. He delivered the decisive moment of the match by setting up Tshepang Moremi for the winning goal in Pirates’ 2-1 victory. Showing sharp movement, Mokobodi timed his run to perfection—leaving the Chiefs defence stranded—before putting a precise cross on a plate for Moremi to tap into an empty net.

For Ouaddou, Mokobodi’s rise is deeply personal, recalling their time together at Marumo Gallants when the player was sidelined.

“Mokobodi, I know from Marumo Gallants,” said Ouaddou.

“When I arrived in January/February 2025, Marumo was, I think, at the bottom of the league. I came there, and they had 40 players, and some of them were working on the side, doing normal training, and the others were working on the side. He was on the other team.

“I decided to organise a friendly game for those players who were sitting on the side. I saw a quality, and I was surprised that this boy was on the side.

“I was so happy that the club brought him here to Pirates, and I knew that he could bring a lot to us. If I have to talk about his quality, he is box-to-box; he is somebody who can run distances; he is clever.

“He can see before receiving the ball; he can score, he can assist, he can recover the ball. And what is important, he is a professional; he has strong values as a human being. He is very respectful of his teammates. He is very respectful of the club.

“This boy, I predict a great future. He is definitely one of the best midfielders in the country.”

The derby triumph briefly sent Pirates to the top of the Betway Premiership table with 25 points from nine matches.

Mamelodi Sundowns later reclaimed top spot with a 4-1 victory over Durban City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, moving ahead by a single point, though Pirates still hold a game in hand.