Kaizer Chiefs legend Khumalo praises Orlando Pirates star

Doctor Khumalo has witnessed generations of local stars, but Orlando Pirates’ rising gem Mbekezeli Mbokazi has truly caught his eye.

The 19-year-old centre-back from Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, first took the Bucs armband before breaking into the Bafana Bafana setup, where his fearlessness and calm head turned heads.

Speaking at a 10Bet event in Bloemfontein, Khumalo said the Orlando Pirates teenager is no ordinary talent; in fact, he believes Mbokazi is the type of defender the country has been crying out for.

ORLANDO PIRATES’ MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI IMPRESSES DOCTOR KHUMALO

“You look at Mbokazi, he has never been on the field with a weaker mind, with a weaker heart,” Khumalo said. “He will always strive to be the winner. And that kind of a player is very rare to find.

“Mbokazi is not just an ordinary player, but what he brings on the day is hard work. And this is what makes him one of the best central defenders we have. Yes, I understand experienced players, we’re playing against them, but what I like about him is his composure and being bold enough to challenge.

“He’s played better strikers in the PSL and he silenced them, so why can’t he do it? When are we going to realise that he can do it if you don’t throw him into the deep end?” Khumalo concluded.