Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have faced questions over the loss of 20-year-old defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
The 20-year-old sealed a $3-million move to MLS side Chicago Fire. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is confident his squad can cope.
MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI’S QUALITY
Mbokazi became a key figure in the Sea Robbers’ defence after being promoted from the DStv Diski Challenge squad and even earned vice-captaincy at the start of the season.
The Hluhlulwe-born star also played every minute of South Africa’s AFCON campaign before the last-16 exit to Cameroon.
ORLANDO PIRATES COACH ABDESLAM OUADDOU CONTENT WITH AVAILABLE OPTIONS
His absence has opened the door for club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema to step into the backline. The French-Moroccan coach insists the team philosophy is collective, not reliant on one star.
“Yes you know there were many questions around the departure of Mbokazi but you know we have a fantastic group, we have good defenders and the guys [Seema and Sibisi] did well today and our philosophy is not counting on one player,” Ouaddou told journalists.
“When we’re strong defensively, when we have clean sheets it’s due to the collective, not only one player. Of course he was important but I’m sure the guys will do a fantastic job, you can see, they proved it today [Saturday].
The comments came after Orlando Pirates’ goalless draw with Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium, a match that showed the squad’s defensive depth despite losing a promising talent.
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