Orlando Pirates to reward new fan favourite with senior contract!

Orlando Pirates are believed to be on the brink of upgrading the contract and team status of a promising star!

After grabbing his chances during an injury crisis at the back, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is set for reward!

Injuries give youngsters chance in first team

Pirates have found themselves having injuries to key figures in their defence this season, with DDC players stepping up. Earlier in the season, Jose Riveiro lost the services of Thabiso Monyane to a long-term injury. Then in quick succession, he was also forced to do without the returning Thabiso Lebitso. That provided an opening for the promotion of young right-back Siya Ndlozi to the first team. 

Similarly at centre-back, the loss of players like Olisa Ndah, Tapelo Xoki and recently Thabiso Sesane saw Mbokazi promoted. The left-sided centre back was already a much talked about talent in the Pirates reserve structures, regularly training with the first team. Recently, he got his chance to debut and has not looked back. 

Mbokazi’s performances notably against SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final win and Mamelodi Sundowns stood out. They have since catapulted the KZN-born star into an instant fan favourite. With that in mind, Pirates are believed to be wasting no time in offering him a senior contract, as per Soccer-Laduma. 

Pirates offer Mbokazi senior contract?

“For now the deal and the new contract is as good as done. The talks have been going on since he (Mbokazi) was recommended to start training with the (Pirates) first team in August last year before he went with the Under-20 national team to the COSAFA Cup in Mozambique which (his team) South Africa won. Yes, its’ a four-year contract which will run until June 2029,” said the source. 

A second source says although Mbokazi will sign a senior deal, he’ll still be eligible for the Pirates DDC side. 

“He (Mbokazi) is going to be playing with a senior team contract but he is still eligible to play for the (Pirates) DDC side if they need him. Both Rele Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota have done that before and it’s mainly to keep the player St and have more game time. But the four-year contract is for the senior team,” said the source. 

Great move by the Buccaneers?

Pirates fans, are you happy with the news that Mbokazi will sign a new long-term deal? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.