+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

Kaizer Chiefs' development star picks Orlando Pirates' Mbekezeli Mbokazi as the 'most exciting raw talent' in South Africa now

The Sea Robber has been a sensation both for the club and the national team because of his consistency and work rate. However, he has been overlooked by the Amajita head coach, who did not include him in his U20 World Cup squad.

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Cyriel Dessers, South Africa vs NigeriaBackpage

    Exciting PSL player identified

    Kaizer Chiefs' development star Tshegofatso 'Ninja' Ramabu has named Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi as the most exciting player in the Premier Soccer League currently.

    To defend his choice, Ramabu has discussed what sets Mbokazi apart from other players in the league.

    • Advertisement
  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    'Raw talent' Mbokazi praised

    “In terms of talent, I would say the most exciting player in the PSL at the moment is Mbokazi,” Ramabu told Soccer Laduma.

    “That is your true class, and to me, he’s raw talent and is head and shoulders above the rest of the players. He is one of the best players that South Africa has seen currently, as we speak," he added.

    "His work rate, his work ethic — everything about him is special.”

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpagepix

    The rise of Mbokazi

    The young and bulky defender has established himself as a dependable player for Pirates since he joined the senior team.

    To highlight how solid he is for the Soweto giants, he was a prominent figure in starting line-ups under Jose Riveiro, and the same has been maintained by Abdeslam Ouaddou.

    Indeed, he was named one of the club's captains despite his young age, even though there are more experienced and older players in the Pirates' setup.

    Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has also developed trust in Mbokazi, who was involved in the last 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria. Against the Super Eagles, he was named the Man of the Match as Bafana held the West Africans.

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Raymond Mdaka, South Africa U20 coachBackpage

    Overlooked

    Although he has developed into a crucial player for Pirates and proven himself with the national side, Mbokazi has been overlooked by Raymond Mdaka.

    Mdaka has named Amajita's World Cup-bound squad without the centre-back, raising eyebrows from pundits and fans alike.

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    How will Mbokazi react to Mdaka's decision?

    Although he might not publicly share his feelings, the defender has only one choice: to continue with what he has been doing.

    His consistency is expected to earn him more Bafana call-ups, and his motivation should be the 2026 World Cup. South Africa are leading Group C, and this means they are closer to achieving their qualification dream.

0