Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s academy coach Wonder Mnguni has joined the voices that are comparing the Orlando Pirates centre-back to the side’s former player Mbulelo ‘OJ’ Mabizela.
Mbokazi has shown his defensive prowess for the Ghost and Bafana Bafana since being promoted from the Pirates development side in January.
The Langalibalele Sports Academy senior coach echoed the sentiments of the similarities that include their leadership qualities and age between Mbokazi and Mabizela when he spoke to iDiski Times journalist Sinethemba Sithole in edition 225 of the newspaper.
“He reminds me of Mbulelo ‘OJ’ Mabizela, even though he has retired,” Mnguni told iDiski Times.
“But when I see Mbekezeli, I think of Mabizela. You will remember, he also captained Pirates at a very young age. He was young and was playing excellent football.”
Meanwhile, Mbokazi was named one of the co-captains at Pirates this season and has led the side out more than any skipper this term in Nkosinathi Sibisi’s absence.
Mnguni also admitted to being surprised at Mbokazi being one of the captains at his club so early in his career however believes the 20-year-old deserves the armband.
“I’m a bit surprised that in such a short period of time he’s become a captain for Pirates,” added Mnguni.
“But on the other hand, I’d say he deserves it. It’s just that we’re not used to seeing a new player becoming a captain so quickly. You’ll remember he hasn’t played a full season since joining the first team. But with the qualities of leadership he has, he deserves to be a captain.
“You notice when he plays, he’s one of the players who gives out instructions to others. You will remember even when we played Nigeria how much he was fighting, even demonstrating to his teammates what they must do. So, he deserves an armband.”
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