Abdeslam Ouaddou Shares What He Told Mbekezeli Mbokazi Ahead of Carling Knockout Final
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up on his discussion with Mbekezeli Mbokazi ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants
- The Moroccan tactician gave solid advice to the South African defender as he was playing his last match for Orlando Pirates before leaving for the Major League Soccer
- The advice Ouaddou gave Mbokazi sparked reactions amongst social media users as the player prepares to move in January
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Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared the details of the conversation he had with Mbekezeli Mbokazi ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants, which was his last game for the Soweto giants before moving to Major League Soccer in the United States.
Source: Getty Images
At just 20 years old, Mbokazi sealed a transfer to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire in December 2025, marking Saturday’s Carling Knockout victory as his final outing for the club.
The young centre-back led his team to claim their second trophy of the season after winning the MTN8 title earlier. Ouaddou revealed that he had encouraged Mbokazi to lift the title for the team.
Ouaddou on what he told Mbokazi
Ouaddou said in his post-match press conference that Orlando Pirates are one of the big clubs in Africa, and every coach wants to have the best players to compete for titles.
He added that it’s the ecosystem of football, reflecting on his own experience at Nancy, his former club, where he was developed for four years before playing two years in the first division and then moving to the Premier League with Fulham.
The former Marumo Gallants head coach wished Mbokazi good luck, recalling that, before the last game, he told him to put the team first and focus on winning the trophy, which the player ultimately did.
Source: Twitter
Ouaddou noted that when footballers move to the USA, it’s essential that they continue to improve and never forget their roots, such as Orlando Pirates or the national team. He emphasised that thinking of Orlando Pirates and the national team are very important.
Here is what fans are saying about Ouaddou's advice to Mbokazi before the Carling Knockout Cup final on social media.
Bongani Ngobeni said:
"Ouaddou showing Mukoko's that you don't need 10 years to win a cup ..it's possible with 6 months 🤣🤣."
Jacob Paile wrote:
"All the best, Mbekelezi. You said an example; even where you're going, you are representing, and they saw and witnessed. Once a Pirance, I hope you will remain the one. All the best, Mfanaka."
Phakamani Vuyisa Sparks implied:
"All the best, boy. Make us proud wherever you go. We love and respect you 🏴☠️🕺🏽💃🥳."
Oupa Morai shared:
"Go and what eat dollars boy make us proud I'm a khosination fan, but I wish u good luck boy."
Power Trıp reacted:
"Wadu is here to make history with Orlando Pirates, if it were Sao-Tome or Snake FC, Marumo Gallants would have crowned Carling Black Label Champions."
Rele Rsa added:
"Always check on your strong friend (Jnr Khanye) to make sure they always bounce back after Pirates disappoint them 🥺."
Apollis reacts to MOTM award vs Gallants
Briefly News earlier reported that Oswin Apollis commented on being named Man of the Match in Orlando Pirates' win over Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup.
The Bafana Bafana forward won his second title as an Orlando Pirates player this season.
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Source: Briefly News
