Speculation has intensified in recent days, claiming the 20-year-old was on the verge of sealing a switch to the United States. But speaking after Pirates’ 2-0 victory over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, Ouaddou made it clear that Mbokazi remains firmly part of his plans.

The win lifted the Buccaneers level with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 25 points at the summit of the Betway Premiership, though they sit second on goal difference with a game in hand.

Addressing questions about Mbokazi’s absence from the match-day squad in what Pirates’ final home game of the year, before the league breaks for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, Ouaddou attributed the omission purely to squad management.

“I am not aware of this news. For me, Mbokazi is in my group,” he told the media after the match.

“Today (Tuesday), like I said, I rotate players. He is one of the most important players in my group. He is still with us, he is my player and that’s it.”

With Ouaddou firmly shutting down talk of a move to the MLS, Mbokazi is expected to be back in contention when Pirates travel to KwaZulu-Natal for their clash against Richards Bay FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.