Abdeslam Ouaddou Hails Pirates Youngster After Performance Against Pafos FC

• Abdeslam Ouaddou has singled out an Orlando Pirates player for praise after his performance in the Buccaneers' 1-1 draw against Pafos FC in Spain
• The Moroccan tactician was happy with the player's performance despite his team failing to get a win against the European side
• Netizens also aired their views won the player's performance after he earned praises from the newly-appointed Pirates coach

Orlando Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou has showered praises on South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi after his performance against Pafos FC in their pre-season game in Spain.

The Moroccan tactician who was appointed as Jose Riveiro's replacement at Mayfair this summer suffered a 2-0 loss in his first pre-season game against Bolton Wanderers before holding Pafos FC to a 1-1 draw in their last match.

The former Marumo Gallants opted to start Mbekezeli Mbokazi alongside Nkosinathin Sibisi in the centre back position and flanked them with Deon Hotto in the left-back position and Deano van Rooyen on the right.

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Ouaddou hails Mbokazi after Pafos FC clash

In an interview with SuperSport TV after the match, the former Fulham star admitted that he was impressed with Mbokazi's performance against the Cyprus giants.

“Mbokazi is one of the big men of the team,” Ouaddou said.

“He’s South African; he’s proud of what he’s doing, we’re proud of him. He did a good job.

“It’s normal that we give him this captaincy. Step-by-step, we want to give him more time because, of course, he will be one of the main men for this season.

“That’s why we give him the responsibility, and he showed it magnificently. He did a great job.

“So, he needs to continue like that. He was fantastic.”

The Moroccan coach's comments about Mbokazi's performance against Pafos FC sparked reactions from fans on social media.

Reactions as Ouaddou hailed Mbokazi for his performance

Reverend_TD said:

"The new Mbulelo Mabizela in terms of talent. May God keep him grounded!"

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Lefa Schoeman wrote:

"No one will bench this kid next season ..."

Naphtallyjack implied:

"He's leaving January this one... he has no peers in the league already. I hope the coach will be preparing him for that move mentally.🙏🏽"

JoeweeCarter90 mentioned:

And the only player that played the entire match today? Where is Xoki or the coach was just trying something different?

It is yet to be known of Ouaddou will feature Mbokazi in their next match against Spanish side Las Palmas or he would try to give other player chance to impress him before the new season kicks off in few weeks.

Nkota bids farewell to Orlando Pirates

Briefly News earlier reported that Mohau Nkota has said his goodbyes to Orlando Pirates after leaving the Premier Soccer League giants for a move to Saudi Professional League this summer.

The South African forward has joined a Saudi club for an undisclosed fee, and has sent his appreciation to the coaches and players he worked with at the club.

Source: Briefly News