Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reserved special praise for a young Orlando Pirates star who has impressed during the club's pre-season camp in Spain.
Pirates' pre-season tour of Spain is in full swing with three friendly matches already played, the latest of which was against Cypriot giants Pafos FC on Sunday.
The game ended 1-1 as Relebohile Mofokeng's 24th-minute strike cancelled out Pafos' opener.
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Some sections of supporters would have noted in the second half that teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi took over the captain's duties, donning the armband in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki and Deon Hotto on the field.
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, Abdeslam Ouaddou explained what had impressed him about the left-footed centre-back
"Mbokazi is one of the big men on the team. He is a South African; he is proud of what he’s doing, and we’re proud of him. He played a good game," enthused Ouaddou.
"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 us this season.
"That’s why we give him the responsibility, and he showed it magnificently. He had a great job. So, he needs to continue like that. He was fantastic."
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In his debut campaign of top-flight football, the burly defender made 19 appearances, and he will be aiming to add those numbers when the new season gets underway in August.
Before that, though, Pirates play their penultimate pre-season friendly against Las Palmas on Thursday at 19:00 (SA time).
Photo: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
