Jose Riveiro has unearthed another gem! Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi boastful after win over Mamelodi Sundowns - 'We knew they were not gonna come out alive'

Mbekezeli Mbokazi was named Man of the Match after Orlando Pirates beat traditional rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a Premier Soccer League match at FNB Stadium on Sunday.

It was a match where the central defender-cum-left-back managed to soak in the relentless pressure from experienced Masandawana forwards Iqraam Rayners, Peter Shalulile and the in-form Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

“We played very well against Sundowns, we trained hard the whole week preparing for them and we knew they were not gonna come out alive,” Mbokazi said as per iDiski Times.

“Coach said we must die on the ground if we have to, and if you die it’s fine someone else will come in and do the work. 

“We managed to score two early goals which helped us a lot," added the South Africa Under-20 star.

"The second half was a bit tough, but 45 minutes is nothing when you are doing good in maintaining the pressure from the opposition which is what we did today.

“The forwards did their job by scoring, so we also had to do our job as defender and not concede but unfortunately we conceded which is not what we want but we will gladly accept the three points against a good side like Sundowns.”

Mbokazi is one of the young players promoted to the Pirates senior team by coach Jose Riveiro in recent seasons as the Soweto giants' development team coaches have also been credited for churning out pure talent.

He joins some outstanding youngsters like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Boitumelo Radiopane, Siyabonga Ndlozi and Azola Tshobeni.

Mbokazi's performances have seen him being regarded as one of the future prospects in South African football.

Mbokazi has featured in three PSL matches so far, starting all of them and has a goal in the Nedbank Cup.

With Pirates in the Caf Champions League quarter-finals, he could make his continental debut against MC Alger on April 1 away.