'South Africa's real talent' Mbekezeli Mbokazi catches the eye of English Premier League star - 'Bucs have produced a beast'

The then Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, gave the youngster a chance to shine with the senior team in March this year.

It was a revelation for the teenager who went on to play 15 games in the second half of the 2024/25 season, including the CAF Champions League, where the Buccaneers reached the semi-final. 

Despite being just 19, Mbokazi is now a key player for the Sea Robbers and is serving as the vice-captain.

Coach Hugo Broos gave the teenager his South Africa opportunity during the June international break in friendly games against Tanzania and Mozambique, respectively.

The centre-back impressed, which saw him get rewarded with a place in the recently held Group C's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers versus Lesotho and Nigeria.

Despite being a first-timer, Mbokazi, once again shone as he put up a man-of-the-match performance against a quality Super Eagles team. 

The Pirates' man has seemingly won himself a permanent slot with the national team, of course, if he sustains his showings. 

Zimbabwe international and former Bucs midfielder, who is currently with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nyasha Munetsi, has lauded the Soweto giants for unleashing another talent.  

"That says a lot about Pirates because they are always producing a beast, because every time you see him play, that guy is very strong," the Zimbabwe international told Mike Morton Talks Football.

"But when you see him play, not only on his physique, but also how he reads the game, how he covers the space.

"Pirates deserve [praise] for recruiting such quality young players. I was watching a game of his; he did very well. South Africa have real talent," Munetsi concluded.

In the last two seasons, the Pirates' Academy has produced some top players like Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thabiso Sesane, and now Mbokazi, who have delivered at both the club and national team level.

Well, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has just taken over from Riveiro, but it is logical to argue that we might see some new faces again in the ongoing 2025/26 season despite the pressure associated with the club.