Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Straight out of Hluhluwe, Mbekezeli Mbokazi is the latest breakout star in the Orlando Pirates camp after making a meteoric rise from SAFA’s regional structures to the country’s top tier before his 20th birthday.

Having previously played for Makhasa FC in the Men’s Regional League in uMkhanyakude, it was during a short stint at Langalibalele FC where his mentality and drive, along with some unique physical attributes attracted several scouts, including those of the Buccaneers. The Soweto Giants beat a few rivals in landing the teenager’s signature in August 2023, drafting him into the DStv Diski Challenge squad for the 2023/24 season.

An outstanding debut season for the Bucs Reserves propelled Mbokazi into being counted among the defensive options in the First Team the following season, and it was not long before he made his first appearance. That came in a narrow league victory away to Chippa United, followed in the same week by his first senior goal and Man of the Match performance in a triumphant Nedbank Cup quarter-final against SuperSport United.

Still early in what promises to be a long career at the top, the Bucs rising star lists defensive partner Nkosinathi Sibisi among his favourite players and wants to continue improving certain aspects of his game as he looks to fulfil his promise.