We don’t rely on individuals – Ouaddou on life after Mbokazi

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has played down concerns surrounding the departure of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, insisting the Buccaneers’ strength lies in collective depth rather than individual brilliance.

Mbokazi’s rise over the past year has been meteoric. 

Promoted from the DStv Diski Challenge squad, the 20-year-old quickly established himself as a first-team regular and was named vice-captain at the start of the season — a remarkable show of faith from the technical team. 

His assured performances at the back soon caught national attention, earning him a call-up to the senior national team. The youngster went on to play every minute of his country’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, before their last-16 exit against Cameroon. 

Even before that continental adventure, Mbokazi’s future had been secured abroad, sealing a reported $3 million move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.

While his exit raised eyebrows among supporters, Ouaddou remains calm and confident about the options at his disposal. 

Club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has stepped into the starting line-up alongside Lebone Seema, a pairing that delivered a clean sheet in Pirates’ goal draw with Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. 

“Yes, there were many questions around the departure of Mbokazi,” Ouaddou said after the match. “But we have a fantastic group and good defenders. Our philosophy is not about counting on one player.”

The coach emphasized that Pirates’ defensive solidity is built on teamwork and structure rather than individual stars.

 “When we’re strong defensively and keeping clean sheets, it’s due to the collective. Of course Mbokazi was important, but the guys proved today they can do the job.”

For Ouaddou, the performance against Sekhukhune United was a timely reminder that Pirates remain resilient, even amid change.