Orlando Pirates vice-captain Tapelo Xoki says Mbekezeli Mbokazi has the support of the club and is hopeful he takes his opportunity to reach his full potential.
Mbokazi has enjoyed a meteoric rise from being scouted at the Engen Knockout, to Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge squad, first team, senior national team and eventually a $3-million transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire.
The 20-year-old defender became one of the captains alongside Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi at the start of this season, before his mid-season transfer to the USA.
“Hai TLB, he must just continue being TLB. One special talent and one for the ages, we’re all just supporting him from behind and praying that he uses this opportunity to elevate his career and help his family,” Xoki said at the Nedbank Cup draw.
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“We’re just saying kudos to him and I’m sure the whole country is behind him, you have seen at AFCON – how he played and that can only elevate our national team. We hope he continues to be the TLB that we know and he improves.”
Mbokazi recently featured for Fire in their pre-season friendly against LA Galaxy and looks poised to make his debut on 22 February when they face Houston Dynamo at the Shell Energy Stadium at 03:30 (SAST).
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