Orlando Pirates have unleashed a gem in young centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi but could he have been at Kaizer Chiefs instead?
Pirates promoted Mbokazi from their DDC structures, a practice Chiefs have done regularly in recent years.
Mbokazi taking his chances at Pirates
Mbokazi had already been a much spoken about name within the corridors of Pirates. Those within the club as well as connoisseurs of the development game were already aware of his potential. A cluster of injuries to senior centre-backs Olisa Ndah, Tapelo Xoki and Thabiso Sesane opened up a window of opportunity for the 19-year-old to finally be blooded in.
The SA U20 has not disappointed. This, having won Man of the Match awards in a scoring effort against SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup. He then followed that up with another one against Mamelodi Sundowns in 2-1 league victory. Those performances have had South African footballers lover in a frenzy on social media. But what if Mbokazi ended up at Pirates’ arch rivals Chiefs instead?
Rejected by Chiefs!
According to FARPost who spoke to his development coach, it was a huge possibility. But in the end Chiefs rejected Mbokazi and he fell straight into the hands of Pirates!
“What surprised me is that he only played 15 minutes [in a friendly match before the tournament] and I phoned Kaizer Chiefs straight away. That was my first time seeing him, I phoned Molefi Ntseki. I said there’s a left centre-back here, he’s out of this world. I told him, ‘I can guarantee you’ll want to sign this boy’. He said to me, ‘Okay coach we will see’. I phoned Ace Khuse, I told him the same thing so that more people at the club would push for him. I wanted him to join Chiefs. They said they will organise [things]. I saw that they were delaying.” Said Wonder Mnguni.
Big regret Amakhosi faithful?
Chiefs fans how do you feel now, knowing that your club rejected Mbokazi? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
