The midfielder delivered a standout performance in the Buccaneers' emphatic 4-0 win over Lioli FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

Pirates arrived at Orlando Stadium with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Lesotho and wasted little time finishing the job.

A brace each from Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma sealed a commanding 7-0 aggregate victory over the Buccaneers.

At the heart of the victory was Mbule, who produced a composed and intelligent display over the full 90 minutes.

Initially operating higher up the pitch, the Bafana Bafana international found it difficult to influence the game in the crowded spaces of Lioli's low block. But a tactical adjustment after halftime changed everything.

With Masindi Nemtajela replacing Sihle Nduli, Mbule dropped deeper into a number six role, where his quality immediately came to the fore.

Ouaddou was thrilled with both the tactical impact and the joy Mbule showed while playing.

"Sipho had a good performance. What I like is that I see a boy who is smiling, enjoying his game - and it is what we want," said the coach.

"He is a fantastic player, one of the best in South African football. When I see him happy, I am happy."

The Bucs coach went on to explain that the former Mamelodi Sundowns player was not able to show his best abilities in the first half because of the way the opponents approached the game.

But, a tactical change in the second half granted Mbule a perfect opportunity to showcase what he is able to do.

"So I can say that it was a bit difficult for him in the first half because to play with a low block in very small spaces was not easy, and after we gave him the opportunity to play a little bit lower," he added.

"When he had more space, we saw the real Mbule, what he is able to do. I'm very happy about his performance and in general the performance of the boys."

With Pirates building momentum early in their continental journey, Ouaddou believes Mbule's resurgence could be a vital weapon in their push for more silverware having alreadt won the MTN8 this season.

Two-goal here Tshepang Moremi praises Abdeslam Ouaddou as Orlando Pirates cruise to CAF second round