{
  "id": 8747318,
  "title": "Ouaddou hails Orlando Pirates duo after Gallants victory",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/ouaddou-hails-orlando-pirates-duo-after-gallants-victory",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T18:51:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/ouaddou-hails-orlando-pirates-duo-after-gallants-victory/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou commended midfielders Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Selepe following the team's recent victory over Marumo Gallants. The match, held at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, saw Pirates secure a 2-0 win against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa. Mokobodi's exceptional performance earned him the Man of the Match award. Ouaddou praised Mokobodi for his impressive activity and versatility in the middle of the pitch. \"He's very clever. He can give assists, he can score, and he can make plays for his teammates,\" Ouaddou remarked to SuperSport TV. Selepe also received high praise from Ouaddou, who appreciated his role in keeping the team balanced and acting as a link between defense and attack. Ouaddou acknowledged that the victory over Gallants was not easy, highlighting the opposition's energy and power. The Buccaneers will have a three-week break before facing Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on October 10th, at a venue yet to be confirmed by the Premier Soccer League.",
  "summary": "Mokobodi was rewarded for his impressive performance with the Man of the Match award.",
  "key_points": [
    "Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Selepe after Pirates' 2-0 win.",
    "Mokobodi earned Man of the Match award for his versatility and assists.",
    "Selepe appreciated for maintaining team balance and linking defense to attack."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}