It’s been a long time since Orlando Pirates could boast a player with such promising raw talent, and the excitement around 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi is growing by the day.
What makes him even more special is that he’s a left-footed defender, a rarity in modern football, and his future with the club looks incredibly bright.
A Historic Debut for Mbekezeli Mbokazi
March 5, 2025, is a day that could become a significant one in Orlando Pirates’ history.
On that day, Mbokazi, affectionately known as TLB, made his debut for the club.
The match ended with a 1-0 victory, and fittingly, Mbokazi marked his debut with a clean sheet—a perfect way to start his journey with the Bucs.
Since that moment, he’s continued to impress.
He featured in subsequent matches against SuperSport in the Nedbank Cup, scoring the opening goal in a 2-2 draw, and later, a 0-0 draw against Stellenbosch.
In both games, he earned the Man of the Match award, showing that his influence on the pitch is growing with every appearance.
A Future Leader at Orlando Pirates
Mbokazi’s physical attributes are impressive, and he’s only going to continue to develop as he moves into his 20s.
He has a natural ability to defend with precision and skill, especially on the ground, and his distribution—whether short or long—has caught the attention of many.
What stands out even more is his leadership qualities, something that’s rare in players his age.
It’s not often you find a left-footed player with such an aggressive approach in tackles, and his well-rounded skill set makes him a unique talent.
It’s easy to envision Mbokazi being a key figure for both Orlando Pirates and the South African national team for years to come.
Orlando Pirates’ Champions League Ambitions
As Mbokazi continues to shine, Orlando Pirates are looking ahead to bigger challenges.
With an eye on securing a spot in the Champions League semi-finals, the team will face Algerian side MC Alger in the quarter-finals.
The first leg is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 21:00.
MC Alger is currently leading the Algerian Ligue 1 with a seven-point advantage, but Pirates will be confident in their chances as they look to make their mark on the continental stage.