Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is unaware of reports linking rising defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi with a lucrative move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, despite growing speculation around the 20-year-old’s future.
Mbokazi, one of the Buccaneers’ standout performers this season, was left out of the matchday squad during Pirates’ 2,0 victory over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, a decision that immediately raised eyebrows and fuelled transfer talk.
Speaking after the match, Ouaddou dismissed suggestions that the omission was linked to an impending transfer, stressing that the young Bafana Bafana centre-back remains central to his plans.
“For me, Mbokazi is still in my group,” Ouaddou said. “I am not aware of this news, I rotated the players and he is one of the most important players in my group. He is still with us and he is still my player.”
Mbokazi has been a consistent figure for Pirates this season, making 18 appearances across all competitions and scoring once, performances that have reportedly caught the attention of the MLS club.
Meanwhile, Ouaddou acknowledged that the return of senior players Olisa Ndah and Makhehlene Makhaula from injury has made selection increasingly competitive. Ndah was named on the bench against Chippa, while Makhaula received a warm reception from fans when he came on in the second half.
“When these big names come back, it increases the depth and makes it more difficult for me to make choices,” the coach added. “But I prefer that rather than not having enough players. The medical team did a fantastic job to get them ready.”
As transfer speculation continues to swirl around Mbokazi, Pirates have not issued any formal statement regarding any potential move, leaving the defender’s immediate future shrouded in uncertainty.
information: Citizen
caption:Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou
pic: Instagram
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