Orlando Pirates started the season in patchy form. However, something has clicked just in the nick of time as they prep for the MTN8 final.
Teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi is skippering the side in Nkosinathi Sibisi’s absence.
Here’s what’s on the horizon.
‘Nkota is already a better player after leaving Pirates’
Orlando Pirates find their defensive steel
Pirates have kept clean sheets in each of their last three league encounters. They’ll feel confident ahead of the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch on September 13th. Mbekezeli Mbokazi has won the captain’s armband in the last six matches across all competitions, including in their two-legged semi-final win over Sundowns. He assisted Kamogelo Sebelebele’s goal in the first of those two clashes.
When will Sesane return for Orlando Pirates?
Thabiso Sesane started the 2024-2025 campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane’s rehabilitation continues going smoothly, he could be back in training after the international break and eyeing a return in October.
Mbokazi is the real deal for club and country
5 March 2025 might go down as a big day in the history of the club. 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi made his Orlando Pirates debut, and we might look back on that as a huge watershed moment. It was a 1-0 win for Pirates and, fittingly, Mbokazi marked his bow with a clean sheet. It’s the first of many, and DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] head coach Joseph Makhanya has played a big role in his rise to prominence. Mbokazi has started subsequent matches against SuperSport in the Nedbank Cup (he scored the opener in a 2-2 draw, Pirates eventually prevailed on penalties) and against Stellenbosch in a 0-0 draw. Mbokazi was the man of the match in that thrilling cup tie against Matsatsantsa. He started and shone in Pirates’ superb 2-1 win over leaders Sundowns. This season, Mbokazi and Lebone Seema have been the first-choice central defensive pairing and could continue together for the MTN8 final.
Is Mbokazi an Orlando Pirates legend in the making?
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