Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has pulled back the curtain on his final motivational advice to captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi, moments before the centre-back led the team in his farewell match—the triumphant Carling Knockout Cup final on Saturday evening.
The 20-year-old Mbokazi’s future lies with MLS side Chicago Fire FC, making the 1-0 extra-time victory over Marumo Gallants at the New Peter Mokaba Stadiun his last official appearance for the Soweto giants. With the central defender captaining the side to their second trophy of the 2025/26 season, Ouaddou revealed his simple yet powerful mandate.
In his post-match press conference, the coach drew parallels between Mbokazi’s path and his own European career.
“Orlando Pirates is one of the big clubs in Africa. Every coach wants to have the best players to compete for titles,” Ouaddou began. “But it’s the ecosystem of football.”
He referenced his own move from his developing club, AS Nancy in France, to the English Premier League with Fulham, framing Mbokazi’s transfer as a natural progression.
“I was in his position when I was 22 years old in Nancy, my former club; I was developed there for four years but after that I played for two years in the first division and I had the opportunity to go to the Premier League with Fulham. It is the evolution, so I just want to wish him good luck.
Ouaddou then disclosed the direct instruction he gave Mbokazi ahead of the final whistle.
OUADDOU REVEALS WINNING MANDATE HE GAVE MBOKAZI BEFORE FINAL GAME
“I told him before the last game, ‘you need to put the team at the first place, and to win that trophy [Carling Knockout] and nobody can speak because you did your job by winning the trophy.’
The Moroccan coach emphasized that moving to the United States should not signal the end of ambition for the young star. While wishing Mbokazi well, Ouaddou issued a clear challenge for his future.
He is going to the US and I wish he improves and keep growing and never forget Orlando Pirates, never forget national team. Not because you go to the US, you need to stop improving and to make effort. Think of Orlando Pirates, think of national team, that’s very important.”
Although Pirates will face the Carling All Star XI in the Carling Black Cup, Mbokazi is not expected to feature in the non-official fixture, marking the Carling Knockout final as the true, victorious curtain call of his time at the club.
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