The next ‘TLB’ in the making? Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s younger brother, Qophelo Zanathi Mbokazi, turned heads on the first day of the Engen Knockout Challenge in Durban—proving exactly why it’s where diski legends start.
Following in his older brother’s footsteps at the uMkhanyakude Football Academy, Zanathi also thrives as a left-sided center-back, mirroring many of Mbekezeli’s standout traits on the pitch.
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While they didn’t grow up under the same roof—Zanathi hails from KwaHlabisa and Mbekezeli from Hluhluwe, about 50 to 58 km apart—their shared footballing bloodline is undeniable.
Affectionately nicknamed “Mlungu” by his hometown community, Zanathi played a pivotal role in anchoring his side’s defense, helping them secure a spot in the Engen Knockout stages despite an opening-game loss via walkover against AmaZulu.
Reflecting on his debut in the tournament, the young defender spoke highly of the experience, expressing confidence that the elite platform would help him open doors to greener pastures.
“I’m from KwaHlabisa, I was developed by coach Ngcebo Gcwensa from Hlabisa Celtic,” said Zanathi Mbokazi speaking in an exclusive interview with iDiski Times.
“I met coach Bheki Mdletshe when he selected me to play for his team, uMkhanyakude Football Academy.
“This was my first time playing in the Engen tournament and the experience was very good, there’s quality and I feel there are opportunities.”
‘I’m learning from him’
Zanathi confirmed his close family ties to Mbekezeli, sharing his excitement over playing the same left centre-back role as the Chicago Fire defender.
He noted that he is constantly learning the finer points of playing left centre-back from his older brother, using those lessons to fuel his own ambitions of following in Mbekezeli’s footsteps and building a successful career in football.
“Yes, we are a family with him,” he responded.
“We’re playing the same position, and there are things I’m learning from him as well.
“My dream is grow and be like him and perhaps be better than him maybe [laughing].”
Head coach Bheki Mdletshe—the mastermind who helped produce the older Mbokazi brother—believes Zanathi is destined for the professional ranks.
According to the uMkhanyakude tactician, a few clubs are already circling for the youngster’s signature. However, with the tournament still in progress, Mdletshe chose to keep the exact details close to his chest.
“He’s still young compared to the TLB, this one is turning 18 years, TLB is 20 but he will learn because he wants to go on the footsteps of his brother,” he said.
“Already, there are teams that are interested in him but for now I can’t say much since the tournament has just started. But what I can say he’s a very good player.”
‘Engen is very important’
Mdletshe went on to praise the Engen Knockout Challenge for its continued role in unearthing raw talent. He expressed his hope that the tournament will eventually gain worldwide recognition, believing that greater global visibility would produce even more success stories than the competition already boasts.
“I think Engen Knockout is very important, it helps the young players to grow and to be exposed,” he added.
“I thank my SAFA region president and Durban region’s president who allowed us to play. We played qualifiers and secured a spot.
“So, for Engen to keep on doing this, means a lot. I think they started a long time ago, they have many years doing this if you follow.
“So, there’s a lot of talent that comes out of this tournament who go on to play professionally. We’d love them to continue to do this every year, in support of young kids’ talent.
“This tournament mustkeep on growing and be known the whole world, so that more scouts come to identify talent.”