Ouaddou’s challenge: Buccaneers coach details plan to fill Mbokazi void

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed the impending mid-season departure of star defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, outlining his strategy to cope with the loss and acknowledging the need for a tactical adjustment in the Buccaneers’ defence.

The highly-rated 20-year-old centre-back is set to join Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire FC after completing his duties with Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January.

While admitting he will “miss him, of course, because he is a fantastic player,” Ouaddou stressed that he cannot be “selfish” and must prioritise the player’s career progression, drawing parallels to his own move to Fulham at age 23.

“I don’t think there would be a coach who wouldn’t want to have him,” said the Moroccan coach. “But on the other hand, the evolution of the player, I cannot be selfish because I was in his position… I have to understand as a coach.”

A Left-Footed Void Left By Mbokazi At Pirates

Mbokazi’s exit creates a specific tactical problem for Pirates: the loss of a naturally left-footed centre-back, a player type Ouaddou prefers for his system’s balance.

“Of course, I like my game model to have a left-footer [defender] on the left side in terms of the balance of the team in that position,” he explained.

Despite the gap, Ouaddou maintains a philosophical stance, insisting that the responsibility lies with him to find solutions internally by developing and trusting the talent already available at the club.

“I have to work with what I have, trust the players, work with them to improve them… It’s up to me to find a solution to try replace Mbokazi.”

The coach’s focus now shifts to preparing his remaining defensive options for the second half of the season as the Buccaneers prepare for life after their rising star.