How a sjambok forced Orlando Pirates star Mbekezeli Mbokazi into making career move - 'His uncle whipped him'

The 19-year-old Orlando Pirates teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi made his senior debut for the club on March 5 against Chippa United in the Premier Soccer League.

His solid performance saw him get other opportunities to turn out for the Jose Riveiro-led team.

Mbokazi has since made six competitive appearances for the Buccaneers across all competitions.

However, it wasn't easy to get him into professional football, as his former coach, Wander Mnguni, revealed.

“When we [the academy] went to play a friendly before the Engen, the boy didn’t arrive,” he told FARPost.

“I phoned his uncles, and they said, the boy came to you [academy] in Durban. Only to find out he was taken by other coaches to play [tournaments in rural areas].

“His uncle whipped him with a sjambok and told him to go to Durban, where he would get better opportunities. 

"So, seeing his talent, we had to try everything we could to help him, considering that he was also coming from the rural areas," Mnguni concluded.

Mbokazi has already made a strong statement to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos who is missing some experienced defenders owing to injuries.

In Mbokazi, he has a young, talented and ambitious technical centerback who can be quickly drafted in the national team to play alongside the experienced heads like Grant Kekana, Siyabonga Ngezana and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Mbokazi's main assignment right now is to help Pirates end the season on a high.

They are in the Caf Champions League quarter final, Nedbank Cup semi-final and are chasing Mamelodi Sundowns for the Premier Soccer League title.

Imagine if Mbokazi can help them win all!