Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has declared that a fully fit
Relebohile Mofokeng will be instrumental in the club’s pursuit of the league
title this season. The statement comes after the 21-year-old forward scored
the decisive goal in Saturday’s 1-0 Carling Knockout Cup final victory over
Marumo Gallants.
Speaking at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Ouaddou lavished praise on the young
star, emphasizing his importance to the team both on and off the pitch.
“The president [a nickname for Mofokeng] is very important for us,” Ouaddou
said. “I love him. I love his style of play. He’s a very good guy and a top
human being. He is somebody who loves football. He dreams about football.
For 24 hours, he thinks about football.”
The coach offered insight into Mofokeng’s slower start to the season,
attributing it to fatigue from a demanding schedule. “I can understand that
he was a bit tired,” Ouaddou explained. “After playing maybe 40 or 45 games
last season, and then having only about two weeks of rest with national team
commitments, he’s not a robot.”
Ouaddou highlighted the transformative effect of a managed break, noting a
stark contrast in the player’s recent performances. “We gave him some rest,
and he came back with very good fitness. You can see that in the last three
or four games. He was part of the success of the team, providing fantastic
assists. You can see the difference between a fit Rele Mofokeng and a tired
one.”
Looking ahead with clear optimism, the coach suggested that the
match-winning contribution in the final was just a glimpse of his potential.
“If this is what he can do at 70%, I cannot imagine what his work rate will
be like when he feels 100%. If he’s 100% in the team, I think the president
is somebody who can make us win the title,” Ouaddou concluded.
Mofokeng’s immediate focus now shifts to the international stage, as he is
set to join the Bafana Bafana squad for the AFCON tournament in Morocco,
beginning December 22nd.
