Following Mbekezeli Mbokazi's recent breakthrough into the Orlando Pirates first team, Reserves head coach Joseph Makhanya has offered guidance to the promising youngster.
Mbokazi earned his debut in a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants after impressing in the DStv Diski Challenge and the Under-20 COSAFA tournament.
The 19-year-old has since made a significant impact, scoring in a 2-2 draw against SuperSport United and winning the Man of the Match award as Pirates progressed to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals via a penalty shootout.
With Sesane sidelined due to a long-term injury and Olisa Ndah still regaining match fitness, Mbokazi has become a crucial option for Pirates and is expected to play a key role in their remaining fixtures.
Makhanya, who has been instrumental in Mbokazi's development through the club's youth ranks has advised Mbokazi to learn from the veterans Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki.
MAKHANYA – ‘MY ADVICE TO MBOKAZI’
“My advice to him (Mbokazi) is that he needs to keep his feet firm on the ground,” Makhanya told reporters in Seshego as quoted by KickOff.
“And lean towards [Nkosinathi] Sibisi and lean towards [Tapelo] Xoki and understand the game better because he's a new kid on the block.
“He needs to understand even more because now the game that side is more tactical, it's more about mindset, it's more about the quality.
“So, it means he can't be seen doing things because there are certain things that he needs to cut out, maybe running with the ball unnecessarily at times because he feels at DDC he could get away with it because of his physical profile.
“But that side now he finds himself playing against the likes of [Bienvenue] Eva Nga who are big in stature. He needs to make up his mind a bit quicker to find his next player so the ball progresses again.”
