Ouaddou Shares Thoughts on Losing Key Player Mbokazi

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou has admitted that losing a player of Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s quality will be felt, particularly given the balance he brings to the defence as a left-sided centre-back.

Left-footed centre-backs are a rare commodity in modern football, and Pirates are set to lose Mbokazi, who not only carries the ball confidently out of defence as part of his skill set, but can also cover at left-back when the full-back pushes forward.

This ability to provide balance mirrors the advantage of having a right-footed centre-back on the opposite side, which is a major asset when building a well-balanced defensive unit.

With Mbokazi set to join Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in the United States, Pirates currently have no like-for-like replacement in the mould of a natural left-sided centre-back.

Pirates’ rivals Kaizer Chiefs previously had such a player in Tefu Mashamaite, who went on to win the PSL Footballer of the Season award in the 2014/15 campaign, but have since struggled to find a similar profile.

As Mbokazi departs, Ouaddou will place his trust in Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane, with Ndah and Sesane recently returning from long-term injuries. Pirates currently top the Betway Premiership standings heading into the second round of the season in January, following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ouaddou opted for a flat back three of Seema, Ndah, and Sesane in Pirates’ Carling Cup victory over the Carling All Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

For Ndah and Sesane, it was their first appearance of the season under the Moroccan-born coach after recovering from injuries.

“You know, when you have a ‘Captain America’ in your team, of course you miss him,” said Ouaddou.

“I don’t know any coach who wouldn’t want to have him. But on the other hand, this is the evolution of football and the evolution of a player. I can’t be selfish, because I was in his position when I was 22 years old.

“My ambition was to play in the Premier League, and I had that opportunity at Fulham. As a coach, I have to understand that and work with what I have, while trusting the players.

“My job is to improve the players we have and give them opportunities.

“In my game model, I would like to have a left-footed centre-back on the left side for balance, both in the team and in that position.

“But it’s up to me to find solutions and try to replace him.”