Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Image: Goal.com
Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Image: Goal.com

Home » Orlando Pirates prodigy makes his debut and keeps a clean sheet

Orlando Pirates prodigy makes his debut and keeps a clean sheet

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Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Image: Goal.com
Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Image: Goal.com

Orlando Pirates have a solid contingency plan to cover their defensive bases in the future. How did Mbokazi do on debut?

Mbokazi gets a shutout away from home in the league

19-year-old central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been training with the senior side. The stylish left-footer has impressed Jose Riveiro and the technical team with his strong work ethic and cool, calm composure on the ball. It’s early days, but the club expects big things from the youngster whose crisp distribution over short and long distances is a valuable and rare asset from the left side of central defence. Also, they see him as a natural leader and a potential long-term partner for Thabiso Sesane in the heart of defence. His unique combination of rare traits and skills make him a prospect we’ll be watching closely. Mbokazi started for Pirates as they claimed a 1-0 win at Chippa on Wednesday. A clean sheet for the youngster is an ideal start and his emergence comes at an opportune time with Sesane out for the season with a serious injury.

orlando pirates
The Bucs’ training facility. Image: Stadium Management SA

What’s next for Mbokazi and Orlando Pirates?

A first-half injury time goal from Nkosinathi Sibisi helped Jose Riveiro’s Pirates side to an important three points on Wednesday night against the Chilli Boys; they now trail leaders Sundowns by 16 points and have four games in hand. Next up for the Sea Robbers is a Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash at SuperSport on Saturday 08 March at 15:00. Regular goalkeeper Sipho Chaine missed the Chippa clash through suspension but will return at the weekend. Will we potentially see Saleng make a surprise appearance after his withdrawal from the Bafana camp?

Nedbank Cup action on the horizon

A first-half injury time goal from Nkosinathi Sibisi helped Jose Riveiro’s Pirates side to an important three points on Wednesday night against the Chilli Boys; they now trail leaders Sundowns by 16 points and have four games in hand. Next up for the Sea Robbers is a Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash at SuperSport on Saturday 08 March at 15:00. Regular goalkeeper Sipho Chaine missed the Chippa clash through suspension but will return at the weekend. Will we potentially see Saleng make a surprise appearance after his withdrawal from the Bafana camp?

Nedbank Cup Kaizer Chiefs Pirates Soweto Derby
The Nedbank Cup trophy. Image: Nedbank/X.

Caf Champions League riches still on the agenda for Orlando Pirates

The eventual winners of the 2024-2025 Caf Champions League will win prize money of $4 million (R73.4 million). It’s a massive inventive, over and above the prestige and bragging rights that come with being the continent’s best team. Pirates face Algeria’s MC Alger over two legs in the quarter-finals in early April.

Did Mbokazi impress you against Chippa?

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