Mbekezi Mbokazi is an insanely talented young defender and it’s no surprise that Jose Riveiro is trying to recruit him for Al Ahly.
The 19-year-old has recently broken into Orlando Pirates’ first team, and has become an important player for his club in just a short time.
He was due to be one of the key players for Amajita at the recently completed CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, but was withdrawn at the last minute as Pirates did not want to lose him during an important part of the season.
A report on Thursday suggested that Riveiro, who is expected to be announced as Al Ahly’s head coach in the coming days, had recommended the teenager to the club as he was keen to continue working with him.
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At just a young age, Mbokazi has all the hallmarks of a top defender. He has an understanding of his position that’s second to none. He also excels in aerial duels and physical confrontations. His stature and resilience make him a formidable presence in defence, capable of challenging even the most robust forwards.
And we can trust Riveiro’s eye for talent. The Spaniard promoted Relebohile Mofokeng into the Pirates first team, as well as Mohau Nkota. The two youngsters have shone for the title challengers, and President yama2000 has become a favourite among fans.
Mbokazi is not just hype — he’s being identified by coaches with a proven eye for developing talent.
Not only did Mbokazi impress the coach, but he has also made a good impression with senior players at the club. Pirates captain Tapelo Xoki had this to say about him a month ago: “He has made it easy for us to play with him. He listens, he works hard, so we just guide him where we need to.
“We don’t want to give him too much on information, but we let him play his game, allow him to make mistakes and cover him when he makes those mistakes.
“… Who knows? If he keeps doing the things that he’s doing right, and improving where he needs to, he could be the next big thing in this country.”
If Mbokazi is allowed to go to the Under-20 World Cup in September, playing alongside the best player at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Tylon Smith, and directly in front of golden glove winner Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, in that case South Africa should have every reason to be confident of doing well at the tournament.
If Mbokazi continues on this trajectory — balancing club commitments with international exposure — he could soon become not just a star for South Africa, but a household name across African and global football. With the right guidance and stage, whether at Orlando Pirates, Al Ahly, or beyond, Mbokazi has the tools to shape the next era of defensive excellence for both club and country.
Who knows, we could be watching someone who could go on to eclipse the achievements of the likes of Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, or Aaron Mokoena.
Sport
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