'What makes Mbekezeli Mbokazi special' - Abdeslam Ouaddou | OneFootball

Interview

Ouaddou speaks on Mbokazi's qualities

Photo: Abdeslam Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shed light on what makes Chicago Fire bound defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi special.

The 20-year-old stalwart enjoyed a meteoric rise since making his Buccaneers' debut back in March, swiftly establishing himself as an important figure in the heart of defense for both club and country.

As a result, he attracted interest in the Major League Soccer (MLS), signing for Chicago on a deal that runs until 2029, with a club option for the 2029/30 campaign.

When quizzed on why Mbokazi is highly rated, Ouaddou dissected the player's qualities, which makes him a valuable asset to any team in modern football.

“First of all, regarding the way we are playing with the high block, with the counter pressing, the way that we are playing some attacking football and sometimes you take some risks and it's very important to have a central defender with speed because you leave a lot of space on your back and most teams we play use transitions,” he said.

"So, he did a fantastic job. You can see Mbokazi when the opponents use the space at the back, he manages to win duels with the speed that he has. He's a central defender that's comfortable with his feet. In modern football we want to build, we want to cross the [half-way] line by passes.

"He's able to play short, he's able to play long. He's strong on his feet, he's good with the head. I think he has a great future, he can improve because they [Chicago Fire] will improve him in terms of the leadership, commitment, communication between the four lines [on the field].

The former Morocco international further pinpointed another key area he hopes the Bafana Bafana star will improve on during his spell in America.

“I need somebody who takes the lead when we push the lines, the communication is important as well because when you are a captain and play in a pair of two central defenders, you need to command, you need to take the lead because you have the game in front of you - you are seeing everything,” Ouaddou added.

"So, it's not easy to do it. With experience, there are some players when you ask them to do a task, they forget themselves and don't have a good game. But a top player is able to play good but to lead the other ones. So, it's an area we are expecting him to improve.