Ouaddou On Mbokazi’s Stunning Goal And Mofokeng’s Injury
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has lauded Mbekezeli Mbokazi for his stunning winning goal against Siwelele in the Carling Knockout round of 16 match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The young defender’s goal not only sealed the win for the Buccaneers but also showcased his exceptional skill and confidence on the pitch as the Buccaneers won 1-0.
According to the former Marumo Gallants coach, Mbokazi’s goal was no surprise, given his impressive form in training.
“I think I’m not surprised because he has a very, very strong shot and he shows it many times in training,” Ouaddou said after the game.
“He decided to take a shot from 40 yards, and he showed all his qualities. He is a guy who believes in himself, and you cannot take a shot from 40 yards if you don’t trust or believe in yourself.”
Mbokazi’s goal was reminiscent of his first goal for the Buccaneers last season in the Nedbank Cup against SuperSport United, where he scored a great goal that left Ricardo Goss having no chance to save it.
However, the difference between the two goals is that Mbokazi was inside the 18-yard box when he scored against Amatsatsantsa a Pitoli.
The 20-year-old defender has been taking these shots from outside the box, and his efforts have finally paid off. He even took a similar shot for Bafana Bafana against Nigeria, but didn’t score.
The win has given the Buccaneers a boost as they are through to the quarterfinal of the Carling Knockout, and Ouaddou believes that Mbokazi’s goal will have a positive impact on the team’s morale.
“It’s really a goal that thrives all the whole team, it gives happiness to the players and the fans as well,” he stated.
“You can see that the danger can come from anywhere now in our team, and it’s not only the strikers and midfielders – the weapon can come from anyone.”
Mbokazi will now join his teammates in Bafana Bafana on Monday as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup match qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
However, Bafana could be without Relebohile Mofokeng, who was substituted by Kamogelo Sebelebele after 60 minutes due to an injury.
The Moroccan mentor refrained from commenting on the extent of Mofokeng’s injury, saying, “To be honest, for now we just finished the game and I cannot tell you anything about Rele. I think he played one hour, he did well, and I’m happy about what he did, and we’ll see the issue to see if he’s ok or not. But for me, he played one hour, and I don’t have anything to say about his injury for now.”
The Buccaneers will now focus on their upcoming CAF Champions League second preliminary round match against DRC giants FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
The first leg match will be played on 17 October away from home, and the team will be looking to make a strong impression as they bid to progress to the next round.
