New ‘Mbokazi’ in PSL? Ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach raves about ‘rare breed’ but warns he needs time

Orlando Pirates introduced Mbekezeli Mbokazi to the top football in March 2025, and early in December he had already sealed a move to the Major Soccer League side Chicago Fire.

The 20-year-old is now an established player for the national team, Bafana Bafana, and has already settled in America. As a matter of fact, he is among the players tipped to make the South Africa World Cup squad in the next couple of months, to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

At AmaZulu, Wandile Dube is emulating the former Bucs youngster. The 21-year-old has capitalised on the chance given by former Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane in the wake of an injury to Kegan Allan.

Mangethe concedes the 21-year-old has potential, but it will be too soon to compare him with the likes of Mbokazi, since he has just been introduced to the top-flight football.

Former Kaizer Chiefs Zwane concedes Dube has potential

“Dube has so much potential, he is a rare breed and can become a special player. But we obviously need time,” Zwane said in a presser.

“With players like him, you don’t want to throw them into the deep end when the team is not doing well, because there will be a lot of expectations.

“You want to introduce him when things are going well so that he can settle nicely. When too much is expected from him, it puts him under pressure, and he may make mistakes that could either make him or break him.

“You can see that some of the mistakes he makes are elementary mistakes of a young player who sometimes does a lot of good things, but then suddenly there is a bit of a blackout here and there, which is normal.

“That is the only way he can learn,” he added.

Dube, the new Mbokazi? Kaizer Chiefs legend responds

“That’s where the problem starts. If you look at Mbokazi’s situation, it was totally different. He joined an Orlando Pirates team that was winning and full of confidence, with players like Nkosinathi Sibisi, who is a senior player for both the national team and Pirates,” Zwane continued.

“He has played more than 200 matches, including international games. Pirates at that time were beating everyone and winning cups. Dube, on the other hand, has joined a team that is being rebuilt. We are trying to turn the corner and are under pressure to produce results.

“So the judgement will not be the same in terms of mentality, demands and expectations. Mbokazi could settle easily. But if Dube makes mistakes and the team doesn’t win, it puts him under pressure and he might start doubting himself, and that’s what we are trying to avoid,” he concluded.