Chiefs legend Khumalo tips Pirates youngster for greatness

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has showered praise on Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Mbokazi has been lauded for his great performances for club and country after shining for Pirates and Bafana Bafana.

The 19-year-old centre-back has emerged not only as a great player, but also a leader, with Pirates naming him one of the deputy captains and Khumalo says the youngster could turn out to be one in a generation, if he maintains the high standards he has set.

“[He can become one of the best] you look at [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi and obviously, he hasn’t featured much in the national setup,” Khumalo told iDiski Times.

Doctor Khumalo impressed by Mbokazi

“He’s only played in the [CAF] Champions League or probably Orlando Pirates, and he’s going to be facing very experienced players from Europe. But at the end of the day, it’s about who has it more.

“And if you look at Mbokazi, he has never been on the field with a weak mind, with a weak heart. He will always strive to be the winner, and that kind of a player is very rare to find.”

Khumalo says Mbokazi’s great form is proof enough that young South African players should be given opportunities and trusted in big matches and he is delighted by the level headedness of the defender who he feels will become a South African great.

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“Mbokazi is not just an ordinary player, but what he brings on the day is hard work, and this is what makes him to become one of the best central defenders we have,” added Khumalo. “Yes, I understand experienced players, we’re playing against them, but what I like about him, the composure and being bold enough to challenge.”

“I mean, he’s played better strikers in the PSL, and he silenced them. So why can’t he do it? So, when are we going to realise that he can do it if you don’t throw him into the deep end, hence I’m saying, let’s not shy away from giving them the platform, these young boys,” he further said.

Mbokazi’s good performances have also seen Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos tip him to join a European club next year as he feels the player has shown enough maturity to make the big career jump.