Ouaddou: Pirates Will Cope With Mbokazi Exit

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou has acknowledged that Mbekezeli Mbokazi was an important part of his squad, but insists the club does not rely on a single player.

Pirates played their first match without Mbokazi on Saturday, drawing 0-0 with Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership encounter at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Mbokazi was sold to Chicago Fire in the MLS in December, but only officially joined the club during the January transfer window, as the American league is currently in pre-season.

Notably, Mbokazi’s final appearance for Pirates came at the Polokwane 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadium, where the Buccaneers defeated Marumo Gallants to lift the Carling Knockout Cup.

In a bid to fill the void left by Mbokazi, Pirates signed Mpho Chabatsane from Gallants. The defender was named on the substitutes’ bench as Pirates were held to a frustrating draw by Babina Noko on Saturday.

Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema were the men selected in defense, and Pirates can still call upon Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane.

“Yes, there are a lot of questions around the departure of Mbokazi, but we have a fantastic group,” said Ouaddou.

“We have good defenders, and the guys — [Seema and Sibisi] — did well today [on Saturday].

“Our philosophy is not to rely on one player. When we are strong defensively and keep a clean sheet, it is because of the collective effort, not just one individual.

“Of course, he was important, but I am confident the guys will do a fantastic job. They proved that today.”

The draw meant Pirates failed to reclaim top spot in the Betway Premiership standings. The Buccaneers remain second on the log with 29 points, level with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, Sundowns stay top due to a superior goal difference, having also played one match more than Pirates.