Orlando Pirates: Prodigious teenage talent with unique skills emerges
A player with unique attributes.
Orlando Pirates have unearthed a talented teenager at an opportune time, given the injuries they’re starting to pick up.
Mbokazi impresses the technical staff
According to SoccerLaduma, 19-year-old central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is 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 big things are expected from the youngster whose crisp distribution over short and long distances is a valuable and rare asset from the left side of central defence. He’s also regarded as a natural leader.
Former Pirates winger Joseph Makhanya is excited about his progress too:
“You must think back where he is coming from, all the way from Hluhluwe. It was even difficult to talk to him about tactics, so you needed to make sure that you speak to him in his own language, and he became comfortable and once he became comfortable, he became a leader,” Makhanya said back in October 2024.
Sesane is out for the season
Outstanding 24-year-old Thabiso Sesane suffered a ruptured tendon in the narrow 2-1 win at Sekhukhune; the injury requires surgery and will rule him out for at least four months. It’s a massive blow for a player who has become a pillar of Jose Riveiro’s back four. With concerns around the form of Nkosinathi Sibisi and a recent run of games without clean sheets, Mbokazi might get the chance to prove his mettle at the highest level. Has his emergence come at the best possible time for both him and the club?
Nedbank Cup next for Jose Riveiro’s charges
Pirates got a reality check in the title race last time out, losing 4-1 to defending champions Sundowns. However, the Brazilians slipped up in a surprise defeat to TS Galaxy in their following match. All is not lost in Pirates’ quest for the Betway Prem crown. They trail Sundowns by nine points but have two games in hand. Next up for Riveiro’s side is a Nedbank Cup R16 clash at home against Baroka on Saturday 15 Feb at 15:00. The Sea Robbers return to Betway Premiership action on Wednesday 19 February, away to Golden Arrows. Kickoff in that clash is at 19:30.
How will Pirates cope with the long-term absence of Thabiso Sesane?
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