Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has discussed Orlando Pirates’ possible replacements for departed centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
The starlet joined Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire on a four-year deal late last year and is expected to start training with his new side this month in the US.
Pirates have already gone into the market to acquire the services of defender Mpho Chabatsane from Marumo Gallants to add to the list that includes Lebone Seema, Thabiso Sesane and Olisa Ndah at the back.
Khane praised the new signings’ abilities but believes coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is going to have a challenge using him and Seema, while adding Ndah may likely play ahead of the duo because of experience.
“Mpho is very good centre-back he is comfortable, he has awareness and technically very good,” Khanye said on iDiski TV.
“But I’m not too sure about speed. Yes, you might have timing but you need speed. Him and Seema are a similar type of player and one must defend one must be a sweeper.
“You can’t play with two players that [are] more ball-watching, comfortable on the ball, they need to defend that’s why you have left and right centre-backs. One needs to be aggressive for balance.
“Seema has already won the battle with the person he is competing with for the position. Sesane is out of favour. He is a good player but he’s out of favour.
“Pirates need to maintain top position on the log. Even if he’s not a replacement for Mbokazi that guy Chabatsane is still going to help as time goes by.
“And you are right about Ndah, he is an experienced player who is used to international football, a big player who competes with giants in the Nigeria national team when he was called-up.
“I don’t understand why he is not playing yet because that injury held him back but he is back. With Mbokazi gone I believe Ndah will play and maybe even Seema because you are going to be tested in the second round.”
You can view Khanye’s full predications of the second round of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season on iDiski TV official YouTube channel.