Story audio is generated using AI
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shed light on how the Buccaneers aim to plug the gap left by star forward Relebohile Mofokeng.Mofokeng was Pirates’ heartbeat last term, inspiring them to clinch three trophies, including their first league title in 14 years.The 21-year-old Mofokeng, who also scooped the PSL Footballer of the Season gong at the league’s end-of-season awards held virtually on Monday, scored 11 goals and racked up nine assists in all competitions last season to subsequently earn a move to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.“Rele was an important player for the club. If you can just see data, his involvement in chance creation was huge, but I believe it’s important to find a profile that can take the baton,” Ouaddou told journalists at Rand Stadium on Tuesday.“As you know, we are not all the time speaking about individualism; for us it’s important to speak about a collective.“So, it’s what we tried to work on in Spain [where Pirates held their pre-season camp]. We worked on many combinations, a lot of different profiles in the middle, trying to see. I think we can have a good answer this weekend [when they welcome league rookies Milford to Orlando Amstel Arena for a league opener].”Ouaddou expects Milford to be motivated on Saturday. “A recently promoted team always has this passion, this motivation to be in the big league. I guess they have a very good team spirit if they managed to reach this level,” the Pirates coach said.Read: Relebohile Mofokeng hails growth at Orlando Pirates, pens emotional farewellA few days ago, the Sea Robbers signed Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen from his native second-tier side Sogndal. Ouaddou explained what the Scandinavian brings to the team. “The scouting department of the club is looking for a profile that can help us increase the average rate of our chance-creation,” Ouaddou said.“As you saw last season, we needed that finisher, that profile that can finish the action and I think the scouting department have seen him. I think he’s someone who can bring freshness and quality to the team.”At the same time formers Pirates’ defender Mbulelo Mabizela feels the Buccaneers have what it takes to defend their league title.Bucs have been busy in the transfer market strengthening the team bringing in players such as Neo Rapoo, Gamphani Lungu and Mthetheli Mthiyane, as well as Pedersen , and Mabizela feels the squad has enough depth of talent to defend the title.“It’s early to say, but yes, we are still going to defend the league again this season,” he said.Pedersen is on a two-year deal with an option to extend it.“This feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is such a huge club that I couldn’t pass up the chance when it arose,” he told his former side Sogndal.“At first, I was a bit sceptical, but the more I’ve learned about the club and life in South Africa, the more excited I’ve become. I am very grateful that Sogndal reached an agreement with Orlando Pirates.”The 27-year-old has recorded 51 goals in the past 117 matches for Sogndal and eight in 15 appearances this season.League fixturesSaturday: Pirates vs Milford, Orlando (3:30pm); Stellenbosch vs AmaZulu, Danie Craven (3:30pm); Arrows vs Chippa, King Zwelithini (3:30pm); Sundowns vs Gallants, Loftus Versfeld (6pm); Sekhukhune vs Durban, Peter Mokaba (6pm); Kruger vs Chiefs, Mbombela (8.15pm).Sunday: Bay vs Polokwane, Richards Bay (3.30pm); Siwelele vs Galaxy, Dr Molemela (6pm).
