Former Moroka Swallows star Andries ‘Chaka-Chaka’ Mpondo feels Orlando Pirates top defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is being played out of position.
The 20-year-old centre-back made his professional debut earlier this year but he is already regarded as the league’s best defender. In less than 30 matches, the man known as ‘TLB’ has not only led the Buccaneers to MTN8 triumph but is also a key member of the Bafana Bafana squad.
Speaking to KickOff, Mpondo compared Mbokazi to another Pirates legend Mbulelo Mabizela.
“Mbokazi is the best player in the PSL right now, and he is destined for greatness. He reminds me of Mbulelo Mabizela. I hope he remains humble and continues to play good football,” he said.
“As a coach, I wouldn’t play him as a defender. Mbokazi belongs in midfield – he has a strong football mind and is physically strong. He excels at marking, creating opportunities, and passing the ball effectively.
The ex-Swallows star said if he was a coach at Pirates, he would switch Mbokazi to central or defensive midfield. The youngster scored a long-range goal against Siwelele this past weekend in the Carling Knockout Cup.
Mbokazi is not only a key player for Pirates but for Bafana
“He is a complete player. I would position him in midfield and give him a free role to both defend and attack,” Mpondo added.
“I feel he is currently being used incorrectly, but perhaps the coach prefers him as a centre-back because he helps defensively and is comfortable playing there, consistently performing well.”
With Pirates having at least four quality centre-backs, Abdeslam Ouaddou can maybe try to switch Mbokazi to a midfield position to see how he would cope.
The tough defender is expected to do battle for Bafana Bafana against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the World Cup qualifiers this coming days.