SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA – Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised Mbekezeli Mbokazi for his performance in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final first-leg against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium, which ended 1-1.
Sundowns took the lead through Teboho Mokoena, but the Pirates equalised when new signing Kamogelo Sebelebele scored after a diagonal pass from Mbokazi, marking his first goal for the club since joining from TS Galaxy.
With captain Nkosinathi Sibisi sidelined due to injury and vice-captain Tapelo Xoki on the bench, 19-year-old Mbokazi wore the captain’s armband and delivered a commanding display at centre-back against Sundowns’ attackers.
Ouaddou described Mbokazi as having a bright future if he maintains professionalism and focus. The coach said the young defender’s performance was “for big clubs in Europe” and commended his confidence and mentality on the field.
The Bafana Bafana international will look to continue his development as the Pirates aim to secure a place in the MTN8 final when the second-leg fixture approaches.
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