Orlando Pirates have unearthed a true gem in the shape of gifted central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He could become a legend.
Mbokazi has exploded onto the scene and become an indispensable member of the first team at his tender age.
On 19 September 2025, he exits his teenage years.
Orlando Pirates news: Mokoena, Nigerian star, Mbokazi
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.
Fast-forward to 2025-2026, and the man who turns 20 today is captaining Orlando Pirates in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi. He’s earned another big gong. He’s also already clocked up 28 matches for the Sea Robbers, including some clutch goals and assists.
“Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s outstanding start to the 2025/26 season has not gone unnoticed, with the hard-tackling centre back being named Player of the Month for August,” Orlando Pirates announced.
Remember OldJohn Mabizela, Orlando Pirates fans?
Mbulelo ‘Oldjohn’ Mabizela was a cultured, sublimely gifted central defender who never really fulfilled his immense potential as a footballer. 45 caps for Bafana Bafana isn’t an awful tally, but it could have been more. He only won a solitary piece of major silverware, the Norwegian title with Valerenga in 2005. And yet, we all remember his playing career so fondly because football fans know good players when they see them. He always courted controversy, but that’s not what discussions around Mbulelo Mabizela always have to cover.
Tottenham saw enough of him in a Pirates jersey to part with R44 million (in today’s terms) to sign Mabizela in July 2003. The talent was always obvious. It was never in doubt.