Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained how he discovered Thapelo Mokobodi and why he believes the midfielder is currently one of the best players in South African football. The French-Moroccan coach has praised the 23-year-old's qualities, revealing that he noticed his talent during their time together at Marumo Gallants before eventually getting the opportunity to work with him again at the Soweto giants.

Mokobodi has been enjoying an impressive spell since joining Pirates from Stellenbosch FC during the off-season. The midfielder spent only one season at Stellenbosch after leaving Marumo Gallants, but his performances have quickly made him an important member of Ouaddou's squad.

His contribution has been clear this season, with two goals and four assists in 14 appearances across competitions. He also produced an impressive performance in his first Soweto Derby, providing two assists as Pirates defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium. His display earned him the Man of the Match award and further showed why the coach has so much confidence in him.

Ouaddou explained that he first became aware of Mokobodi's ability when he arrived at Marumo Gallants in January or February. At the time, the club was struggling near the bottom of the league table, and the coach noticed that some players were not part of the main training group.

Instead of ignoring those players, Ouaddou organised a friendly match to give them an opportunity to show what they could do. It was during that match that Mokobodi caught his attention.

"Look Mokobodi, I know him from Marumo Gallants, when I arrived in January, February, Marumo was I think at the bottom of the league, I came there, they had like 40 players, some of them were working on the side, normal training and he was on the other side with another team," Ouaddou said.

The coach revealed that he was surprised by the midfielder's quality and questioned why he had not been training with the main group. He also mentioned Ncube as another player who impressed him during that period.

"I organised a friendly game for these people who were sitting on the side, and I saw quality, I was so surprised why this boy was on that side, him and Ncube – these two guys helped me to secure our position in the PSL," he added.

Ouaddou was delighted when Pirates brought Mokobodi to the club because he already understood what the player could offer. He described him as a box-to-box midfielder who can cover long distances, recover possession, provide assists and read situations before receiving the ball.

The Pirates coach also praised his professionalism, discipline and respect towards his teammates and the club.

"He can assist, he can recover the ball and what is important, he is professional, he has a strong value system as a human being, he is very respectful of his teammates, of the club, this boy – I predict a great future for this boy. And he's definitely one of the best midfielders in the country," Ouaddou said.

Mokobodi's performances have clearly made an impression on his coach, and his contribution in the Soweto Derby has given Pirates supporters another reason to appreciate what he brings to the team. With the season continuing, the midfielder will be hoping to maintain his form and help the Buccaneers remain competitive in the title race.

Source: IDiskiTimes