Abdeslam Ouaddou tips Orlando Pirates starlet for European move | OneFootball

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Ouaddou tips Pirates youngster for big European move

Photo: Gallo Images/ Lefty Shivambu

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has touted one of the club’s highly rated talent for a big move in Europe after his strong showing in their stalemate against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday.

The Buccaneers fought back to salvage a draw, courtesy of a strike from new signing Kamogelo Sebelebele, who canceled out Teboho Mokoena’s bullet header into the roof of the net in the first half, ahead of the second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 23 August.

While his charges displayed a spirited performance amid supporters’ frustration, the Moroccan tactician reserved a special praise for teenage captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was a vital cog in the heart of the Bucs defense.

“Let me be very honest and I have to be careful because you know when you congratulate or compliment somebody quickly, I’m afraid that he stops working. But I have to say it as well because as the coaches, we always approach the players but when people are doing good things, it’s good for the mental and self-esteem, to say that he did well,” said Ouaddou.

“This guy [Mbokazi], if he continues to work hard and be professional, if he takes care of his lifestyle and everything, I think he has a great future because what I have seen again today [Saturday], is just unbelievable – it’s a performance for big clubs in Europe.

“And we are happy to have him at Orlando Pirates, the biggest club in Africa. He is fantastic, he has to keep working you know, this is the problem.

Pirates will swing back into action with a Betway Premiership clash against hoodoo team Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday. The Cape Winelands outfit collected four points from the Soweto giants last season, securing a goalless draw with 10-men in one of the encounters.