“He Needs Freedom” : Ouaddou Explains Why Mofokeng Plays No.10 at Orlando Pirates
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has clarified why Relebohile Mofokeng is now being deployed as a No.10 instead of out wide
- Mofokeng has had a slow start to the new season, with no goals or assists in eight matches
- Ouaddou praised Mofokeng's football brain, highlighting his vision and ability to read the game before receiving the ball
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shed light on why he has shifted Relebohile Mofokeng into a central attacking role this season, despite the youngster previously operating from the wing.
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"The 20-year-old, who scooped the PSL Young Player of the Season award last term, has faced criticism for his lack of end product this campaign, with no goals or assists in his first eight appearances.
A sports journalist recently told Briefly News that the club should consider selling him, while his father, Sechaba Mofokeng, has publicly urged him to leave the Betway Premiership for a move to Europe.
Mofokeng silenced some of his doubters during the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium on 13 September 2025.
His clever passing repeatedly unlocked the Stellies defence, including the incisive ball that led to Tshepang Moremi teeing up Tshegofatso Mabasa for Pirates’ opener in their 3-0 triumph.
It was a performance that underlined the youngster’s creativity and vision, even if the numbers have not yet reflected his influence on the pitch.
Freedom in central role for Mofokeng
Ouaddou revealed on SuperSport TV that the positional switch was designed to give Mofokeng more scope to express himself and connect with the attack.
“When we decided to bring Rele inside, it was to give him more freedom,” he explained.
“On the wing, he can cut in, but he only has 180 degrees of possibility. In the middle, he has 360 degrees to play, to connect with the frontline and create options.”
Source: Instagram
What did Ouaddou say bout his new role
The French-Moroccan coach believes the youngster has embraced the challenge and is growing into the role.
‘He knows before the ball arrives’
Ouaddou praised Mofokeng’s game intelligence, highlighting the speed of his decision-making as a key asset for the Buccaneers.
“What I like about him is that before receiving the ball, he knows exactly what he wants to do,” Ouaddou added.
“He was excited in that game to find combinations with his teammates, and you can see he feels comfortable in that position.”
While goals and assists remain absent, Ouaddou’s faith in the prodigy suggests Pirates see his long-term future as the creative heartbeat of their attack.
How Mohau Nkota’s Saudi move impacted Mofokeng’s confidence
Briefly News previously reported that rising Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng has struggled to hit top gear in the early stages of the 2025/26 season, and according to an English football analyst, the reason could be more psychological than tactical.
The 20-year-old, who burst onto the scene in the 2022/23 campaign, has been a central figure for the Buccaneers over the past two seasons.
Source: Briefly News
