Soweto giants Orlando Pirates are said to be setting sights on what will be a like-for-like replacement for Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Reports say the target is the Citizens’ left-central defender Mkhize, who has played 17 times and scored two goals for the newly promoted side. Should the deal be sealed, he would be the second January signing after Andre de Jong.
With Mbokazi on his way to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer (MLS), and Mkhize being a left-footer, the Buccaneers could be looking to meet modern football’s demands.
The Orlando Pirates squad’s remaining central defenders are all right-footed: Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi. The additional three options, Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Sesane and Tapelo Xoki, are yet to kick a ball this season. Ndah and Sesane are recovering from long-term injuries, while Xoki is recovering from a motor vehicle crash. Orlando Pirates not only lack a match-sharp option like Mkhize but also a left-footed.
According to The Athletic, left-central defenders are crucial for today’s game for multiple tactical reasons… “offering better passing angles to build from the back, creating tactical balance, and providing natural defensive cover on the left flank, allowing the team to progress play more easily and control the tempo against high presses.”
The outlet added: “Their strong foot points them into the pitch, opening up passing lanes and facilitating moves towards the centre or the left-back/winger, making them vital for possession-based, progressive football.”
The club’s highly-productive reserve in the team DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) have three wonderfully talented central defenders in Christian Derbyshire, Moses Mphekgoane and Tristan O’Malley, but neither of them are natural left-footers.
MFANAFUTHI MKHIZE TO ORLANDO PIRATES?
“I understand that Pirates did approach Durban City for Mkhize when Mbokazi was reportedly in the US recently,” a source told the Citizen.
Mkhize, who hails from Kwa Dabeka, north of Durban, first emerged from the Golden Arrows DDC team, earned his senior team experience at Uthongathi and Royal Eagles in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and later at AmaZulu before fully establishing his name in the Betway Premiership at Durban City this term.