Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes Orlando Pirates are now paying the price of losing defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi midway through the season.
The youngster who was a mainstay in the Pirates back-line left the Buccaneers for Chicago Fire in the Major League Soccer in January following an impressive stint with the Pirates’ first team.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has relied on the centre-back pairing of Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi since Mbokazi’s departure, while Olisa Ndah also left the club by mutual consent.
Khanye believes the two were exposed in the 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, showing how much Mbokazi is missed.
“Seema’s main job is to defend and not to play,” said Khanye on IDiski TV.
“He was tested in today’s game. For Orlando Pirates I think losing Mbokazi cost them and I understand why he had to leave. It’s for his career.
“We are happy for him and if the boy is doing well, South Africa is benefitting.
“[But] I don’t think there was a link between Sibisi and Seema at centre-back.”
You can view Khanye’s full analysis of the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on IDiski TV official YouTube channel.
