Abdeslam Ouaddou reacts to Mbokazi CAF Award nomination | OneFootball

Interview

Ouaddou on Mbokazi's nomination for CAF gong

Photo: BackPagePix

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reacted to Mbekezeli Mbokazi's nomination for the 2025 CAF Young Player of the Year award.

The 20-year-old defender has been a revelation since making his debut for the Buccaneers last season, quickly establishing himself as an important figure in the heart of defense.

Furthermore, Mbokazi currently captains the Soweto giants whenever Nkosinathi Sibisi is on the bench and is now a regular feature for Bafana Bafana after catching the eye of Hugo Broos.

Now, the Bucs mentor has attributed the player's nomination to hard work and professionalism, stating that he is proud as a former center-back.

“I think it's a fantastic gift for him first of all. It proves that [good things come] when we are working daily, we are professional, we are taking care of our lifestyle, the body and we are working hard - I think it's a fantastic gift for him,” said Ouaddou.

"It's a fantastic gift for the club as well, we don't have to forget he is representing Orlando Pirates and for me as an ex-central defender, of course I'm proud of him.

Ouaddou went on to advise Mbokazi to stay grounded, cautioning him about the highs and lows of professional football.

“The advice I can give him is to keep believing your nice potential and to be very humble and to keep working because football goes quick in the two sides,” added the Pirates boss.

"You can go very high but you can go down quickly as well. So, respect football and football will respect you and it's the advice I give to my players.

Meanwhile, former Stellenbosch FC defender Tylon Smith, now at QPR, was also nominated for the top gong after his impressive performances en route to winning the U20 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON).