How Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou can get the best performance from Mofokeng! | OneFootball

An experienced South African football coach gives his opinion.

How Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou can get the best performance from Mofokeng!

The recent dip in form of Orlando Pirates' prodigious talent, Relebohile Mofokeng, has not gone unnoticed. Weighing in on the matter is Augusto Palacios, a respected figure with deep roots in South African football, who has offered some seasoned advice for the club's new head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Since the appointment of Ouaddou, the former Fulham defender, the young winger has struggled to replicate the electrifying performances that made him a star over the past two seasons. The statistics tell a telling story: in eight appearances across all competitions this term, the 20-year-old is yet to register a single goal or assist.

What did Palacios say?

Augusto Palacios has called for Head Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to take a more proactive role in unlocking the potential of struggling star Relebohile Mofokeng, suggesting that improved man-management is key to reviving the winger's fortunes.

Palacios began by emphasizing that any new coach inheriting the Pirates squad should be well aware of its inherent quality. He then argued strongly for Mofokeng's inclusion as a permanent fixture in the team's plans, stating, “I think any coach who arrives at Pirates knows the quality of the squad he is taking over... Pirates have a very good team, and I believe Mofokeng should be a regular and is a player that any coach can play in his starting line-up.”

His central advice was direct and unambiguous. He firmly believes the solution lies in consistent selection and psychological support, noting, “Obviously, Play him more, improve his confidence.”

While acknowledging that each manager brings their own unique approach, Palacios stressed that the fundamental duty to develop talent is non-negotiable.

He concluded by widening his focus, implying that the responsibility extends beyond a single player, adding, “Every coach has different methods and ways of doing things. The philosophy can be from the club, but every coach has the responsibility to improve the players. He has to look into ways to improve his players and not only Mofokeng, because I believe Pirates have very good players.”