Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Selepe following their impressive performances against Marumo Gallants.
The midfield duo impressed as the Buccaneers secured a 2-0 victory over Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in their Betway Premiership clash at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Mokobodi, who joined Orlando Pirates from Stellenbosch FC during the current transfer window, was rewarded for his impressive performance with the Man of the Match award.
Ouaddou has been impressed with the 23-year-old since his arrival, describing his start at the club as “fantastic” while highlighting his intelligence, goalscoring ability and capacity to provide assists from his position.
“Even though I don’t like to speak about individuals because it’s a collective sport. But since he [Mokobodi] came, this boy has been just fantastic,” said Ouaddou on SuperSport.
“I know him from Marumo. He has a lot of activity in the middle, he’s very clever.
He can give assists, he can score and he can make play his teammates.”
Ouaddou added that he was satisfied with Selepe’s contribution, particularly the midfielder’s ability to provide balance and act as a link between defence and attack.
“He’s reachable in the middle but not only him, I was really happy about Selepe as well today. He managed to keep us the balanced and to be the link between the defence and the attack. He was really, really top in the middle,” he added.
“I really congratulate him and I hope he’s going to continue to work hard in order to be efficient in the middle.”