Thapelo Mokobodi has emerged as a key figure for Orlando Pirates, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou predicting a “great future” for the 23-year-old after his decisive performance in the Soweto derby.
Mokobodi was named man of the match as Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Saturday. The midfielder supplied both assists, setting up Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi for the goals.
His rise has been unexpected. Pirates signed him from Stellenbosch FC before the start of the season, but he had not made a major impression at his previous club. At Orlando Pirates, however, he has taken advantage of Sihle Nduli’s extended absence through injury, while veteran Makhehlene Makhaula has largely been overlooked in midfield.
Mokobodi has played 14 matches in all competitions this season and has two assists, both of which came in the derby. He has also established an effective central midfield partnership with Thalente Mbatha and Simphiwe Masilela.
The player, who mainly featured as a right-back for Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch FC, previously worked with Ouaddou at Gallants. The coach recalled discovering him during the second half of the 2023-24 season, when he was introduced to the Premier Soccer League in Bloemfontein.
“When I arrived at the club, Gallants were sitting at the bottom of the log,” said Ouaddou. “They had about 40 players and some of them were training with the team that’s playing in the PSL while others were working on the side, and he was with those on the side.
“I arranged a friendly game for the players who were sitting on the side and I saw quality in him. I was surprised as to why this quality boy, and another one who is a right-back, were training on the side and not with the team that was playing.”
Ouaddou promoted Mokobodi and right-back Khumbulani Ncube to the Gallants first team, saying both played an important part in helping the club avoid relegation.
“These two guys helped me secure a position in the PSL with the club. I was happy the club brought him here to Pirates because I knew what he could bring to us.”
The coach believes Mokobodi’s ability makes him particularly valuable.
“If you want to talk about his quality, he is a box-to-box player, he is somebody who can run distances and he is clever. He scans before receiving the ball, he can score and assist and he can recover the ball.
“What is even more important is he is a professional, he has strong values as a human being and he is respectful to his teammates and the club.
“I predict a great future for this boy and he is definitely one of the best midfielders in the country.”
Pirates are seeking to repeat the remarkable treble achieved in Ouaddou’s first season in 2025-26. They must do so without Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who moved to the United States in January, and Relebohile Mofokeng, who joined Royale Union Saint-Gilloise after starring for Bafana Bafana at the World Cup.
The club has continued to develop players including Mbuthuma, Nduli, Moremi, Lebone Seema, Masindi Nemtajela and Oswin Appollis, while Mofokeng, Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota have also gone on to feature prominently for Bafana.
Mokobodi was not included in Bafana’s preliminary squad announced last week for this month’s home and away Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya. Yet his form is increasing the pressure on national coach Pitso Mosimane to consider him.
Competition for central midfield places includes Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Mbatha, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Lebohang Maboe and Luke le Roux.
Mokobodi will also experience the Caf Champions League group stages for the first time this season, as Pirates attempt to defend the Betway Premiership title they took from eight-in-succession champions Mamelodi Sundowns last campaign and pursue domestic cup and continental honours.
