Orlando Pirates’ newly-installed captain Nkosinathi Sibisi believes youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi fully deserves to be one of the club’s vice captains.
Sibisi was confirmed as Pirates new captain this week with Mbokazi and Thapelo Xoki made his deputies in what was a major statement of confidence in the 19-year-old defender who broke into the senior team last season.
The fact that he was made a leader despite just one senior season under his belt speaks volumes of Mbokazi’s standing and Sibisi says the young defender has shown leadership qualities since coming through and is not a surprise that he was chosen ahead of other experienced heads in the dressing room.
What makes Mbokazi tick at Pirates?
“He has been captain in the DDC side and I think it speaks to his character and the person he is,” Sibisi told the media on Thursday, while lauding the club for thinking long-term in their captains’ selection.
“From the very first time I saw when he came for training, you could see a brave boy, ambitious boy so I do not think it is going to be a shocker for him and it speaks to what the club wants to do, not just looking at the present but they are also looking at the future.”
Mbokazi made 19 appearances for Pirates last season with his proper run in the team starting in March this year when he played every match from then after former coach Jose Riveiro was impressed by his qualities on the ball, leadership and calmness.
He also brought balance in central defence, given he is left-footed, and even after Riveiro’s departure, new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been singing the player’s praises and even made him captain in one of their pre-season games.
