Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hails defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi following his nomination for the CAF Young Player of the Year award, describing the recognition as ‘a fantastic gift’ for the rising star

The 20-year-old has hogged the spotlight, making headlines with his mature performances for the Buccaneers and Bafana Bafana.

In next to no time, the bulky centre-back has established himself as a reliable player for Bucs - arguably one of the first names on the team sheet for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his predecessor Jose Riveiro.

His eye-catching displays did not go unnoticed by senior national team coach Hugo Broos, who wasted no time propelling the youngster into a solid Bafana starter.

Mbokazi first made waves earlier this year following his promotion from the reserve team, announcing himself in a crucial encounter against defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns. That performance marked the start of a breakthrough season, capped by the decisive goal that helped Orlando Pirates advance to the next round of the Carling Black Label Cup and caught the attention of Bafana Bafana’s coach.  

Mbokazi has consistently impressed since, showing the strength, composure, and fearless decision-making that have earned him a well-deserved nomination for CAF Young Player of the Year.  

The Moroccan tactician described Mbokazi’s abilities as a “fantastic gift,” a talent clearly honed through hard work and dedication.  

Speaking after their one-nil victory over Polokwane City on Wednesday night at Orlando Stadium, Ouaddou shared his personal thoughts with the media regarding Mbokazi’s nomination.  

“I think it’s a fantastic gift for him first of all, it proves that [rewards follow] when we are working daily – we are professional, we are taking care of the lifestyle, body, [and], we are working hard. It’s a fantastic gift for the club as well – we don’t have to forget that," Ouaddou told the media.  

“He is representing Orlando Pirates, and for me, as an ex-central defender, of course, I am proud of him,” he continued.

The 46-year-old tactician offered valuable advice to Mbokazi.  

“The advice I can give him- is to keep believing [in] your nice potential, to be very humble and to keep working, because you know football goes quick in the two sides. You can go very high, but you can come down quickly as well.

“So, respect football and football will respect you – it’s the advice I give to my players,” concluded Ouaddou  

The Hluhluwe star will be key for the Soweto giants as they prepare for crucial upcoming clashes, aiming to guide Orlando Pirates through to the next round of the CAF Champions League against Saint Eloi Lupopo, who handed them a 3–0 defeat away from home. The big question remains: can they mount a comeback?  

The challenges don’t stop there, as Pirates will face defending Carling Black Label champions Magesi FC at home on October 28 in the quarter-finals, promising another stern test for the team.