Orlando Pirates youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi has received the highest praise yet, with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos tipping him for a move to Europe.
The 19-year-old defender has already captained the Buccaneers in Nkosinathi Sibisi’s absence, a rare responsibility for someone so young.
Broos, who named his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, said he had no hesitation in including the Hluhlwe-born Mbokazi.
ORLANDO PIRATES STAR PRAISED BY BAFANA BAFANA COACH HUGO BROOS
The Belgian coach revealed that in his four years in charge of South Africa, he hasn’t come across a defender with the teenager’s maturity and quality.
“From the beginning, he showed a very mature attitude. He’s confident, strong, with good technique, and he plays without fear,” Broos said. “For the four years I am here, I never saw a defender like this, and young. If it goes on like this, this is a guy who has to go to Europe next year,” the Belgian added.
MAKHEHLENE MAKHUALA’S STORY BEFORE ORLANDO PIRATES
Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has admitted he nearly walked away from the game before fate pulled him to the Sea Robbers.
The 35-year-old, who turns 36 in November, has since gone on to become one of the pillars of the Orlando Pirates’ midfield, lifting three trophies and even being crowned Betway Premiership Midfielder of the Season. But the road here was far from smooth.
Speaking in the club’s new documentary, Giants, the Randfontein-born footballer opened up about the period where doubt nearly swallowed his career.
“I remember wanting to give up,” the player known as ‘Shoes’ said. “I thought it was over. From Highlands Park to COVID, to the team getting sold.
Orlando Pirates interest
“When my agent called me, he said, ‘Cash, Pirates want to sign you.’ I told him, ‘No way.’”
“I told him I was 34. How could Pirates want me when I was 34? There were a lot of headlines, some negative, saying that Makhaula is old and stuff.
“But we thank God and our ancestors, who we always make requests to. They know the paths they have set for us.”
Makhehele Makhaula’s club history before Orlando Pirates
- Trabzon FC – 2014
- Free State Stars – 2019
- Highlands Park – 2020
- AmaZulu FC – 2023.
MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA’S CONTRIBUTION AND HONOURS AT ORLANDO PIRATES
- 10 appearances in the 2022-23 season
- 19 appearances with one goal in the 2023-24 season
- 44 appearances with one goal in the 2024-25 season
- 2025/26: Injured.
Titles
- MTN8 champion 2024
- MTN8 champion 2023
- Nedbank Cup champion 2023.
CAN MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA DISLODGE SIHLE NDULI AFTER HIS ANKLE INJURY?
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