Where Is Mbule And Less Extent Makgopa? Ouaddou Replies

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained the absence of Sipho Mbule and Evidence Makgopa from the matchday squad for Saturday’s victory against Magesi.

The Buccaneers were without the duo, with Relebohile Mofokeng starting in Mbule’s role and Yanela Mbuthuma replacing Makgopa in the starting line-up.

Despite the absence of the Bafana Bafana pair, Mofokeng and Mbuthuma delivered standout performances. Mofokeng scored a goal and provided an assist for Mbuthuma, while Mbuthuma also returned the favour by assisting Mofokeng’s goal.

Their impressive display helped the Buccaneers climb back to second place on the log with 32 points, level with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

“It was a tactical choice regarding the profile of the opponents,” Ouaddou said.

“We have a lot of games coming, especially next week, we’re playing against AmaZulu, and we have a cup game, and we’re going to play every three days.

“So, it’s very important to manage the players well.”

Mofokeng’s performance earned him the man of the match award, and Ouaddou praised him, highlighting his ability to read the game and make decisions before receiving the ball.

“Look, I think when you’re training players like that with such talent, you need to identify their qualities and the positions where they can play,” Ouaddou added.

“So, we knew that he could play on the side, and with the qualities that he has, he can also help us in the middle.

“I think that’s what he did, and I told you that he is somebody who can see before even receiving the ball, and with his decision-making, he can make decisions before receiving the ball.

“When you have this kind of player in the team, you have to use it well, and there’s a capacity to scan and to be aware of how many teammates are around him, and how many opponents are around him.

“This really helps him to make the right decisions, and if you have seen when we play him in that position, I think we played him three or four games, and he gave us four or three assists in that position.”

Mofokeng will be hoping to maintain his impressive form when the Buccaneers face AmaZulu in a league match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday, while Mbule and Makgopa will be eager to return to the team.