Mbekezeli Mbokazi performances for Orlando Pirates belong on the European stage
Mbokazi's star continues to shine Entrusted with the captain’s arm band, teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi gave an assured performance as Orlando Pirates played to a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals on Saturday. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
If there were any South African football fans who weren’t sure about Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s immense potential, they were treated to an impressive showing by the teenager in Orlando Pirates' MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash against the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend
In the first-leg clash against the Brazilians at Orlando Stadium, the 19-year-old defender, in only his first full season as a member of the club’s first team, was entrusted with the captain’s armband, and he didn’t disappoint.
Mbokazi captained the team in new skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi’s absence.
Many would see the task of captaining one of Africa’s biggest clubs as a daunting one, but Mbokazi handled it with grace and maturity far beyond his age. With him marshalling the defence alongside Lebone Seema, Pirates did well to keep their opponents quiet.
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Sundowns couldn’t create clear chances in open play and had to resort to finding the back of the net via a corner kick, which was headed in by Bafana star Teboho Mokoena. Other than that, Pirates’ back four was shut for business during the 90 minutes at Orlando Stadium. The match ended 1–1, leaving everything to play for in the second leg.
Under Mbokazi’s leadership, the team not only looked solid defensively but also showed discipline and belief in transition, reflecting his growing influence beyond the backline.
Mbekezeli’s assured performance at the back even got the vote of confidence from head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Speaking after the game, Ouaddou waxed lyrical about his teenage captain, urging him to keep working in order to become a top player.
“If he continues to work, continues to be professional, and if he takes care of his lifestyle and everything, he has a great future,” Ouaddou said after the game.
Ouaddou praised his young captain’s maturity, saying Mbokazi had shown qualities usually seen in Europe’s top clubs. “If he continues to work and remain professional, he has a great future,” the coach said.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is another who would have taken note of Mbekezeli’s performance on Saturday. He made his international debut in Bafana’s 2-0 win over Mozambique two months ago and looks like he’s done enough to ensure he will be given another chance by the Belgian.
For a player who is still in his teens, Mbokazi’s composure, leadership, and defensive nous already mark him out as a rare talent. The performance was more than just a promising display – it was a statement that South African football may well have unearthed its next great leader at the back. If he continues on this trajectory, Mbekezeli Mbokazi won’t just be a captain for Pirates; he could soon be marshalling Bafana Bafana’s defence on the biggest stages of world football.
IOL Sport
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