South African football legend suggests new position for Mbekezeli Mbokazi, claims Orlando Pirates defender 'is being used incorrectly and underutilised'

Former Moroka Swallows midfielder Andries Mpondo has claimed that coaches are not fully getting the best out of Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender.

The left-footed 20-year-old is playing as a centre-back for both club and country and performing with flying colours.

But Mpondo feels he should not be played as a defender and suggests a new role for the player who is arguably the biggest revelation of 2025 in South African football.

"Mbokazi is the best player in the PSL right now, and he is destined for greatness. He reminds me of Mbulelo Mabizela. I hope he remains humble and continues to play good football," said Mpondo as per KickOff.
"As a coach, I wouldn’t play him as a defender. Mbokazi belongs in midfield – he has a strong football mind and is physically strong. He excels at marking, creating opportunities, and passing the ball effectively.
"He is a complete player. I would position him in midfield and give him a free role to both defend and attack.
"I feel he is currently being used incorrectly, but perhaps the coach prefers him as a centre-back because he helps defensively and is comfortable playing there, consistently performing well," added Soweto-born and bred Mpondo.
"However, he would be even more effective if moved to midfield, where he could play as a destroyer. In my opinion, he is being underutilised."

Mpondo's assertion might trigger some debate with some people agreeing with him, given how Mbokazi is an accurate passer of the ball and has a strong shot from distance.

But others might argue that the 20-year-old is at his best in central defence because of how steely he is at the back, as shown by how he neutralised more experienced Nigeria forwards during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

It would make little sense for Pirates to convert Mbokazi into a central midfielder when they have the likes of Sihle Nduli, Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule and Makhehlene Makhaula, who is returning from injury. 

The absence of Grant Kekana, Ime Okon and Siyabonga Ngezana is not giving Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos sleepless nights with Mbokazi around.

Another solid display is expected from the Pirates star when Bafana meet Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the final push to qualify for the World Cup.