Orlando Pirates teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi was recently included in the Bafana Bafana team that will play Tanzania and Mozambique in back-to-back international friendly matches scheduled for June 6 and 10, respectively.
The 19-year-old was promoted to the senior team just a couple of months ago and went on to quickly establish himself as a dependable member. In the concluded 2024/25 season, Mbokazi played 19 games for the Buccaneers and managed a goal and an assist.
However, ex-Bucs skipper Lucky Lekgwathi is convinced the youngster has already done enough to be considered for the defender of the season award. The Sea Robbers' legend insists Mbokazi's exploits to help Jose Riveiro's men reach the Caf Champions League semi-final as well as the Nedbank Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Kaizer Chiefs.
The boy can be like Old John!
Lekgwathi has further made a bold claim about the future of the teenager who he believes can emulate Tottenham Hotspur legend Mbulelo Mabizela.
“The boy has got everything. The young man is skillful, he is strong, and he has confidence in his abilities. He may not be very tall, but he always challenges in the air, and although he didn't play at the start of the season, he is definitely a candidate for defender of the season,” Lekgwathi said as quoted by SABC Sport.
“I can compare him with Old John, but he is still very young, he still has to learn a few more things to reach a similar level to Old John. However, in the future, I think the boy can be like Old John,” he concluded.
