Orlando Pirates urged to protect Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng from 'free ladies and invitations to nightclubs' - 'If you have someone within, they'll be afraid to do those things'

Relebohile Mofokeng made his Orlando Pirates senior debut late 2022/23 season when the then Bucs coach Jose Riveiro gave him a chance.

The Spaniard tactician then unveiled another youngster, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, in March 2025 owing to injuries to some key defenders.

The duo has since made it to the national team, at the same time attracting attention from some top teams. 

As usual, people want to be associated with big names; while some may have pure intentions, others' motives can't be clearly told.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates defender Benson Mhlongo knows the dangers associated with young and famous stars.

He has urged the Soweto giants to find a mature and responsible player who can guard and guide the youngsters.

“The team has got complicated players; you need someone to take care of Mofokeng and Mbokazi," he told iDiski Times

"As much as they are coming up, you need someone to take care of them. They should not be caught wanting to do things that they’re not supposed to do off the field. That’s very crucial. 

"You become famous overnight, and these ones are big already," Mhlongo added.

“A lot of scammers will come to their doorsteps with ladies and invitations to nightclubs where everything is for free. That’s what happens. You get things for free, and you get tempted to enjoy the outside life.

“But now, if you have someone within, as a teammate, who has got capabilities of holding and nurturing these boys, they’ll be afraid to do those things," he concluded.

At just 19 and 20 years respectively, Mbokazi and Mofokeng have the world at their feet, of course, if they remain disciplined.

It is interesting to see what the future holds for the two youngsters and the future of Mzansi football at large.