The Orlando Pirates have unearthed one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents in Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who made a remarkable rise to prominence last season.
The 19-year-old left-footed central defender needed just four months to establish himself as club captain and earn a call-up to Bafana Bafana, making his international debut shortly after.
National team coach Hugo Broos has already publicly stated that the Hluhlulwe-born star should move to Europe as soon as possible to further his development.
Wonder Mnguni, senior coach at Langalibalele Sports Academy, shared the story of how Mbokazi was discovered:
“When we play tournaments like Engen, we usually invite players from rural areas to give them opportunities,” Mnguni told iDiski Times.
“Mbekezeli was not the only one; there were several others we invited for trials. But with him, I saw something different. I remember vividly, when I first saw him, tears welled up in my eyes because football is in my veins.”
Mbokazi’s rapid rise has made him one of the most talked-about young defenders in South Africa, with growing expectations that he could soon make the leap to European football.
