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The Bucs' training facility. Image: Stadium Management SA

Home » Mokoena spotted at Orlando Pirates, unveiled soon

Mokoena spotted at Orlando Pirates, unveiled soon

Two new players in the first team.

orlando pirates
The Bucs' training facility. Image: Stadium Management SA

Orlando Pirates will soon announce two new players in their first team after they impressed at the DDC level.

Pirates to promote Mokoena and Mbokazi

According to Soccer Laduma, winger Neo Mokoena and 19-year-old central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi are training with the Pirates first team. Jose Riveiro is impressed with the pair.

Orlando Pirates Transfer News Jose Riveiro
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro at the Rand Stadium. Image: FootballSA

Mbokazi hailed as a future leader for Orlando Pirates

19-year-old central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been training with the senior side. The stylish left-footer has impressed Jose Riveiro and the technical team with his strong work ethic and cool, calm composure on the ball. It’s early days yet, but the club expects big things from the youngster whose crisp distribution over short and long distances is a valuable and rare asset from the left side of central defence. Also, they see him as a natural leader and potential long-term partner for Thabiso Sesane in the heart of defence.

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Where is Thalente Mbatha?

Gifted central midfielder Thalente Mbatha issued his own update on Instagram addressing rumours he had arrived at training intoxicated. The club is also facing a midfield crisis before their clash with Cape Town City.

“They said I’m not training, you listen to everything, and I just came back from training. People can say whatever about me, but I’m coming from training.”

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Orlando Pirates Mbatha
Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates warms up during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, in Johannesburg on 1 February 2025. ImGE: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix

Pirates’ next match revealed

Pirates were due to Golden Arrows on Wednesday but the match was postponed. Influential midfield general Makhehlene Makhaula will miss Pirates’ next clash, against Cape Town City on Saturday 22 Feb, at 15:30 after he picked up a fourth booking of the campaign last time out against Baroka in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16. Kabelo Dlamini started alongside Makhaula against Baroka so he’ll keep his place. Now, head coach Jose Riveiro must decide who will partner with him. The versatile skills of Selaelo Rasebotja could come in handy. Will Mbatha return? He sounds as though he’s fit and ready to go.

How much do you know about the young pair Mokoena and Mbokazi?

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