AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane has explained why their defender Wandile Dube, who has attracted interest from Orlando Pirates, should not be compared to Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
A few weeks ago, this publication reported that the Buccaneers were monitoring the progress of Usuthu youngster Wandile Dube.
The 21-year-old has been featuring as a left centre-back, a role Mbokazi had firmly established at Pirates before his mid-season move to Chicago Fire.
Zwane believes Dube has the potential to develop into a top player in the near future. However, he is concerned that many people have already started comparing him to Mbokazi.
According to Zwane, Mbokazi was fortunate to break into a Pirates side that was performing well. As a result, any mistakes he made were less noticeable because the team was winning and he was surrounded by experienced defenders.
“My only worry is when people now would want to start comparing him with certain players. They’re already saying Mbokazi, that’s where the problems start,” said Zwane.
“Because if you look at the situation of Mbokazi and his situation, it’s totally different. It’s totally different why I’m saying that? Mbokazi comes into Orlando Pirates that is winning. Orlando Pirates, that’s got leaders.
“For example, you play with [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, who’s a senior player in the national team and Orlando Pirates, who’s probably under his belt, he’s got more than 200 games plus international games.
“And Pirates that time, they’re oozing in confidence, they’re beating everyone. Not only now, from last season, Pirates were doing well, they were winning cups.
“So, now you look at the situation of Dube. He comes in a team that is being rebuilt where we need to turn the corner, we’re demanding results, we want to see ourselves up there. So the judgement is not going to be the same in terms of the mentality and the demand and the expectations.
“So, Mbokazi settled in well, he does well, everyone will give praise here and there. Not that he didn’t make mistakes. But he made mistakes and the team was winning.
“And if Dube makes a mistake, we don’t win. I don’t know if it puts him under pressure as well. And then he’s going to start doubting himself.
“And that’s what we’re trying to avoid. So that’s why with him, we’re going to have to introduce him gradually until he settles in.”
Dube has seen more game time following the injury to Keegan Allan, who has now missed two matches in a row.
“And also he comes in at the right time. When Keegan [Allan] got injured, he was always waiting on the wings for that moment to come. But it was never going to be easy to actually temper with the back three that has done tremendously well from the beginning of the season. We always had to wait for the right moment,” he added.
“And the opportunity came, he’s shown very good signs. And he still has a long way to go and a lot to learn about the game.
“And hopefully he’ll take this opportunity and grab it with both hands. And he just needs to be level-headed. I’m not saying he’s not, but he’s a very reserved boy.
“So, he just needs to keep it that way and keep his feet on the ground and remain humble and just focus on his game. He’ll go far, definitely.”
