Kaizer Chiefs Legend States Qualities That Make Pirates’ Mbokazi Very Rare

Kaizer Chiefs Legend States Qualities That Make Pirates’ Mbokazi Very Rare

  • Doctor Khumalo has commented on the brilliance of Mbekezeli Mbokazi after his recent performance for both club and country
  • The Kaizer Chiefs legend claimed the Bafana Bafana star's talent is rare and has the potential to become the best
  • The South African football icon's comment about the 19-year-old sparked different views from netizens on social media

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has tipped 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi as a potential standout defender of his generation following his recent back-to-back top-class performances.

Doctor Khumalo, South Africa.
Doctor Khumalo during the special screening of 16V Doctor Khumalo Untold at Langhams Estate on October 2, 2022, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Oupa Bopape
Source: Getty Images

The Orlando Pirates youngster has already made a big impact both domestically and internationally, earning praise after just three senior national team appearances, including South Africa’s recent 1-1 draw with Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Mbokazi was named Man of the Match in that clash at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Hugo Broos also advised the Pirates defender to consider leaving the Premier Soccer League for a move to Europe, as he's good enough to play for top clubs.

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Khumalo hails Pirates' Mbokazi

Speaking to the media, including iDiski Times journalist Lethabo Kganyago, Khumalo said Mbokazi has the potential to become one of the best, even though he is still at the beginning of his international career.

“So far, he’s only featured in the CAF Champions League or for Orlando Pirates, and now he’ll come up against seasoned European players. But what matters most is mentality, and Mbokazi has never stepped onto the pitch with a weak heart or mindset. He always wants to win, and players like that are rare,” Khumalo explained.

Khumalo added that Mbokazi is far from ordinary, praising his work ethic and consistency: “What sets him apart is his hard work, which is why I believe he’s among the best central defenders we have.”

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, South Africa and Nigeria.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between South Africa and Nigeria at Toyota Stadium on September 09, 2025, in Bloemfontein. Photo: Charle Lombard
Source: Getty Images

He also highlighted the youngster’s composure and courage: “I respect the experience of the players he’ll face, but what I like about him is his confidence to take them on. He has already faced top strikers in the PSL and kept them quiet, so why not on a bigger stage? At some point, we need to trust these young players, throw them into the deep end, and give them the platform to prove themselves.”

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South Africans shared their thoughts on Khumalo's views about Mbokazi on social media.

Fans react after Khumalo hailed Mbokazi

Gabriel Rimai said:

"Don't see quality good for wrestling if these players are really quality WHY are they not attractive to teams Rele still bench warmer even at pirates but last year u glowingly said he's going Barcelona maybe one in matatiela not Spain allow these players to learn."

Sabelo Mzimbokhalimali Ngubeni wrote:

"Bt he is telling the truth only those who don't care about him who say what ever."

uMbhali ✍🏿 shared:

"Yes, normally players that are physical aren't ballers but Mkokazi is good with footwork and has strength which is rare to find a player with both attributes."

Null_And_Void added:

"He is right. Mbokazi is a future legend."

Ouaddou gives evaluation of Mbokazi

Briefly News also reported that Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou commented on Mbekezeli Mbokazi's performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8.

Read also

Abdeslam Ouaddou unimpressed despite Orlando Pirates’ 3-0 CAFCL triumph

The South African international has become a regular starter for the Buccaneers since breaking into the first team last season.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@sportsbrief.com.