Sibongakonke Shongwe: Orlando Pirates Sign South African Young Defender Good as Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Orlando Pirates have reportedly found a replacement for Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi as they secure the signing of a young defender
- The Soweto giants sold Mbokazi to Chicago Fire FC in the Major League Soccer in the middle of the 2025-26 season
- The South African international and Pirates' former vice captain made his mark during his time in the Premier Soccer League
Orlando Pirates may have lost Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi during the January transfer window, but they've reportedly found a perfect replacement for the South African international ahead of next season.
Source: Getty Images
Mbokazi secured a move abroad a few days before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off, as he joined Chicago Fire FC in the Major League Soccer, for an undisclosed fee.
He has settled into a new life in the United States of America, and he is one of the best defenders in the league and also among the top earners.
It is said that the Sea Robbers have discovered another exciting young defender who hails from Mpumalanga to replace their former vice captain.
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Pirates sign versatile South African defender
According to a source close to the player, Orlando Pirates have secured the signature of versatile 18-year-old Sibongakonke Shongwe from Shining Stars FC, a side competing in Mpumalanga’s Hollywoodbets League.
The insider told Soccer Laduma that Shongwe possesses immense potential and could even match or surpass the qualities Mbokazi displayed at the same age.
“He was playing for Shining Stars and was expected to join another club next season. Pirates spotted him during the LFA competitions where their scouts were present and immediately moved to sign him. He is only 18 years old, still attending school, and has a very bright future ahead of him,” the source revealed.
The Premier Soccer League giants are yet to make any public announcement concerning the player, while Shinning Star FC are also silent on the move.
Emerging talents from the Mkhondo region
The source also highlighted the abundance of football talent emerging from the Mkhondo region, particularly in the goalkeeping department, with several local shot-stoppers already featuring in the Betway Premiership.
“There’s a lot of talent in this area, especially players who are properly developed. We currently have goalkeepers like Dumisani Msibi at Chippa United, Lindokuhle Mathebula at Polokwane City FC, and Mandla Vilakazi at Siwelele FC, and all of them come from here.
“There’s also another talented goalkeeper still doing matric, although his height works against him a bit. He’s an excellent player, just slightly shorter than Mathebula. We also have others currently competing in the ABC Motsepe League,” the source added.
Source: Getty Images
Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns battle for SA forward
Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are in a transfer battle as they are all interested in snapping up a South African forward in the summer.
The three Betway Premiership giants were said to be looking for the possibility of signing the winger before the winter transfer window closes.
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Source: Briefly News
