JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 03: Jose Riveiro, head coach of Orlando Pirates during the MTN8, Quarter Final match between Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium on August 03, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Alche Greeff/Gallo Images)
Sources close to Orlando Pirates have informed the Siya crew that the Buccaneers have their eye on DDC left centre-back, Mbekezeli ‘Mkhaya’ Mbokazi.
It’s believed that the club looks set to continue the trend of promoting youngsters, and that Mbokazi is close to receiving an opportunity to train with the first team.
READ: Maela Reaches Pirates Milestone
Indications are that the 18-year-old looks set to join the Bucs senior team after he returns from the Under-20 COSAFA Cup in Mozambique, which takes place between 26 September and 5 October.
“If it wasn’t for his commitment to the Under-20 national team, Amajita, he could have been with the senior team now. Both the DDC and the senior team technical teams have agreed with management that he should spend more time with the senior team, although he could still play for the DDC side. They want him to learn from the other defenders and use that experience in the DDC, but his promotion is imminent as things stand,” the source informed the Siya crew.
READ: Pirates Set High Expectations for Riveiro?
Insiders have further revealed that the technical team has been looking for a left-footed central defender, and when they saw Mbokazi, they were impressed and recommended his promotion.
“They want to have a strong central defensive pairing. With Thabiso Sesane and Olisa Ndah doing well, Nkosinathi Sibisi mainly on the bench, and Thapelo Xoki out injured, they think Mbekezeli (Mbokazi) is a good option. He knows the culture of the team. So, they will just wait for him to come back from the Under-20 national team and take it from there,” the source revealed.
Get the best in Soccer, News and Lifestyle content with SNL24 PLUS
For 14 free days, you can have access to the best from Soccer Laduma, KickOff, Daily Sun, TrueLove and Drum. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won’t be billed.
.