Orlando Pirates have faced their fair share of challenges in recent weeks, but a promising new talent has emerged to lift the spirits of the fans.
Enter Mbekezeli Mbokazi, a 19-year-old central defender who’s quickly made a name for himself at the club.
His rise has been one of the few bright spots in a tough period, offering hope for the future.
A Memorable Debut
March 5, 2025, will likely go down as a memorable day in Orlando Pirates’ history.
It was on this day that Mbokazi made his debut for the first team, and what a debut it was.
The young defender helped secure a 1-0 victory, marking his first appearance with a clean sheet—a perfect start to what could be a very promising career.
This performance came after an impressive stint with the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team, under the guidance of coach Joseph Makhanya.
Since that debut, Mbokazi has continued to impress, starting in key matches such as the Nedbank Cup clash against SuperSport (where he scored the opening goal in a 2-2 draw, with Pirates eventually winning on penalties) and a 0-0 draw against Stellenbosch.
In the game against SuperSport, Mbokazi was named man of the match, further solidifying his potential.
He also played a pivotal role in Orlando Pirates’ stunning 2-0 victory over the league leaders, Sundowns, breathing new life into the team’s title challenge.
Makhanya’s Vital Role in Mbokazi’s Development
One of the key figures in Mbokazi’s development has been Joseph Makhanya, the coach of the DDC team.
In an interview with FarPost, Makhanya shared the challenges he faced while working with Mbokazi, who initially struggled with language barriers, only understanding IsiZulu.
Makhanya explained that he had to adapt by speaking to Mbokazi in IsiZulu during team talks to ensure the young player could understand the instructions clearly.
Makhanya, who recognized Mbokazi’s natural physical strength and resilience, pushed him hard to develop the skills needed for the first team.
“I had to make sure he fast-tracked things,” Makhanya said, emphasizing the importance of adjusting to the high-performance environment of the senior squad.
Thanks to Makhanya’s guidance and the belief of first-team coach Jose Riveiro, Mbokazi has had the chance to showcase his talents at the highest level.
Pushing Players to Their Limits
Makhanya also spoke about his demanding coaching style, which aims to prepare players for the pressures of the first team.
He explained that he pushes his players hard, testing their limits to see who is truly ready for senior football.
“The senior team is a demanding team that needs results, and we need players who are prepared to give everything,” he said.
His approach has clearly paid off with Mbokazi, who has risen to the occasion and impressed at every opportunity.
What’s Next for Mbokazi?
As Mbokazi continues to shine for Orlando Pirates, the big question remains: will he go all the way to the top? Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how far this talented defender can go in his career.
With the right coaching and continued development, Mbokazi could be a key player for Orlando Pirates for years to come.