Mamelodi Sundowns legend Vuyo Mere has advised Orlando Pirates’ young player Mbekezeli Mbokazi to avoid distractions from outside influences.
The 20-year-old has garnered significant attention since making his professional debut earlier this year. Many consider him to be the best defender in the Premier Soccer League, despite his recent milestone birthday.
In recent weeks, Mbokazi has been seen with several influences and celebrities but ex-Sundowns defender urged the Pirates defender to remain focused.
“It’s not a fluke where he is now,” Mere told FARPost.
He must ask himself what he did to get here. How did he get to be a captain of Orlando Pirates at his age? Everything he did was good; it helped him.
“Why would he want to introduce new things? Yes, there are things you can’t control, like people coming into your life wanting to associate with you. They can be around you, but are you mentally strong? Are you disciplined enough to say no to the wrong things? Or to see them before they come.”
Ex-Sundowns star hopes Mbokazi will stay focused
“A lot of people will come claiming they have good intentions that are not good. I’m just hoping he continues living the life he was living before he became the captain of Orlando Pirates,” Mere added. “It’s so easy to get up there, but to stay up there is difficult.”
Mbokazi made his name when he displayed a Man of the Match performance against Sundowns. He kept PSL Player of the Season Lucas Ribeiro in his ‘pocket’ to help his side claim a 2-1 league win over their rivals.
Since his breakout, the man known as TLB, has gone on to make his debut for Bafana Bafana and impressed during their recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria.