With an eye on Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s future within the Orlando Pirates senior team, club legend and DDC coach Joseph Makhanya has provided critical advice on how the young defender can maintain his performance and achieve further growth.
The 19-year-old was promoted to the first team in February 2025, following his impressive displays in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] for Pirates.
So far, the talented defender has made three appearances for the Sea Robbers in all competitions, recording one goal and playing a role in two clean sheets.
The teenage sensation made his debut for the Soweto giants on Wednesday, 5 March, against Chippa United in a Betway Premiership match where he started the match.
Since then, he has continued with his fine displays as he has started matches against SuperSport United and Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal and Betway Premiership encounters, respectively.
JOSEPH MAKHANYA’S WORDS OF ADVICE TO MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI
Makhanya advised Mbokazi, whom he coached in the DDC, to keep competing at his best level in the first team of Pirates.
“My advice to him is that he needs to keep his feet firm on the ground and lean towards [Tapelo] Xoki and understand the game better because he’s a new kid on the block,” said Makhanya.
“He needs to understand that games in the top flight become more tactical. It’s more about the mindset and quality. So, it means that he can’t be seen doing things because there are certain things that he should cut out. Maybe running with the ball unnecessarily at times because, at DDC, he could get away with it because of his physique.
“Now, he needs to make up his mind a little bit quicker so that he can find his next player and the ball can progress again.”
Makhanya continued: “While he’s having a lot of senior players around him, he needs to take all the experience so that when it is his time to play with another youngster, he’s ready to make sure that he passes on the baton.”
RELATED STORY: The role Makhanya played in Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s rise
