A scouting masterstroke from the past
Reflecting on that initial discovery, Abdeslam Ouaddou noted that the squad was bloated and many talented individuals were being overlooked. "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," the Pirates head coach explained to the media. It was only through a deliberate intervention that the midfielder's true potential was finally unearthed.
"I organised a friendly game for this 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." This early identification of talent has paid massive dividends for the Soweto giants, as Mokobodi has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the team's tactical setup this season.
The complete box-to-box package
Since making the move to the Buccaneers, Mokobodi has been in sensational form, contributing two goals and four assists across 14 appearances. His ability to influence proceedings at both ends of the pitch has been a key factor in Pirates' pursuit of silverware. Ouaddou is particularly impressed by the physical and mental attributes the 23-year-old brings to the engine room, noting that his intelligence sets him apart from many of his contemporaries in the Betway Premiership.
"I was just so happy that the club brought him here to Pirates, and I knew what he could bring – so when I talk about his quality, he is box-to-box, he’s somebody able to run distances, he is clever, he can see before receiving the ball," Ouaddou added. This tactical awareness allowed the midfielder to dominate the recent 2-1 victory over rivals Kaizer Chiefs, where he provided two assists and walked away with the Man of the Match accolade.
'He has a strong value system'
Beyond the technical skills and the impressive statistics, the Pirates coach believes that Mokobodi’s character is what truly makes him a special asset for the club. In a modern era where off-field distractions can often derail promising careers, the midfielder's dedication to his craft has earned him significant respect within the locker room. Ouaddou emphasised that the player’s human qualities are just as important as his output on the green grass during competitive fixtures.
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"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’s 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," the coach stated.
Integral to the title defence
With Pirates currently sitting second in the league standings, the consistency shown by their new midfield general will be vital if they are to successfully defend their crown. The victory in the Soweto Derby has provided a significant boost to their momentum, and Mokobodi’s ability to thrive under the immense pressure of South Africa's biggest fixture has silenced any remaining doubters. His partnership with the rest of the midfield unit has become the heartbeat of the side.
As the season progresses, the expectations surrounding the diminutive playmaker will only continue to grow.