Orlando Pirates captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been one of the players to watch this season in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The 20-year-old has already led the Buccaneers to cup triumph last month when they won the MTN8. He has also been part of Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana team in recent months.
His top-notch defending and hard tackling have earned him the nickname ‘TLB’ ever since he made his debut for Pirates earlier this year. He has not only been an important player for the Buccaneers, but he had become a reliable defender for his country.
Why Orlando Pirates will be happy to have Mbokazi back early
TLB received a red card against Zimbabwe last Friday during the World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. His red card means he won’t feature in Tuesday’s must-win match against Rwanda.
Mbokazi will return to Pirates early as they prepare for their important CAF Champions League clash against Saint Eloi Lupopo. His sending off is a blessing in disguise for Absedlam Ouaddou, as this will give TLB a week off before he plays his next match.
The youngster has played 15 matches for club and country this season and could do with some rest.
The Pirates’ backline will not have it easy on Sunday in the DR Congo, but if Mbokazi is well-rested, then they should get a result. If the defender did not receive his matching orders against Zim, he would be a sure starter against Rwanda.
That meant he would have had just three days to recover before jetting off to DRC. A red card is a blow for Bafana but Pirates technical team should be relieved that Mbokazi is back without any injury.
The Buccaneers play St Lupopo in the second round of the CAF CL on Sunday.