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Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando PiratesBackpage
Khothatso Leballo

'Just after one goal, they will now say Mbekezeli should be an Orlando Pirates striker! Create your own Mbokazi and play him where you want, Kaizer Chiefs need such minds like Andries Mpondo on the bench' - Fans

The 20-year-old player has made himself one of the best defenders in the Premier Soccer League, but a South African football legend Andries Mpondo feels the Buccaneers starlet should be moved up the pitch into midfield. The former Moroka Swallows midfielder's views have sparked some debate.

GOAL takes a look at what fans have been saying about Andries Mpondo's assertion that Mbokazi should be switched from a defender to a midfielder.

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  • Marshall Munetsi, Wolverhampton Wanderers, February 2025Getty

    Mpondo is right, look at Munetsi

    Noo, Mpondo is not crazy, we once had Munetsi Marshall who plays for Wolves. He was a centre-back but they changed him into CDM and he excelled, so Mbokazi as a six and Ndah and Seema behind, no team would break Pirates in CAF - Ntate Moketa Jbl

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  • Yaya Toure Manchester City 2018 Premier LeagueGetty

    Mbokazi is not Yaya Toure

    Just because Yaya Toure played centre back, defensive mid and attacking mid, dont mean others can. The player excels at centre back - IBhaca Beats

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Mbokazi is not tall and mobile

    I fully agree with Chakachaka Mpondo because Mbokazi will play as a defensive midfielder in Europe, as he's not that tall and mobile - Thanduxolo Kalo

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    One goal, Mbokazi should be a striker

    Just after one goal, they will now say he should be a striker - Phinda Msibi

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Samir Nurkovic, Orlando Pirates vs SiweleleBackpage

    Create your own Mbokazi

    Create your own Mbokazi and play him where you want, leave this one alone - Siba Gwala Gwala

  • Mduduzi Shabalala, Kaizer Chiefs, October 2025Backpage

    Mpondo should be on Chiefs bench

    Kaizer Chiefs need such minds on the bench 😂😂 - Oko Lylo Boloti 

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    A risk moving Mbokazi up the pitch

    Sergio Ramos was a more complete player, yet he remained in defence. He'll probably need a lot more time to adjust well in a new role and don't forget he'll be up against players who have played in midfield all their lives. It'll be a risk to move him further up the pitch - Faisal Champion Matuidi

  • Evidence Makgopa, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Makgopa also underutilised

    Another player that I think is utilised in the wrong position is Evidence Makgopa. Makgopa is a player who's light-footed and can win one-on-one tackles, he can win 70 plus percentage of the battle. My appeal to Orlando Pirates Football club coaching staff, play him as a number 10 or 8; Makgopas' talent isn't correctly utilised as a striker - Motlogelwa Ernest Stephen Mogorosi

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    When marked, Mbokazi kicks the ball forward

    Mbokazi can pass a beautiful pass when he is not under pressure, playing at midfield needs someone who can pass the ball even when he is marked, under pressure, Mbokazi when he is marked he kicks the ball forward - Snazzy-lad Clement

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpagepix

    Sabotaging Mbokazi

    Mbokazi is simply a centre-back, in the middle you will be sabotaging Him - Elton Mo Sliq Mahlanu

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, March 2025Orlando Pirates

    He deserves to play alongside Kholisi

    This one deserves to play alongside Siya Kholisi - Pegasegwana Social Club