How Xoki and Sibisi’s support eliminated Mbokazi’s stage fright
Orlando Pirates teenage sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi has shared how teammates Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi have assisted him in overcoming stage fright at the Soweto giants.
The 19-year-old was promoted to the first team in October 2024 following his stellar displays in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] for Pirates’ Reserve side.
Mbokazi played his first match for the Buccaneers on Wednesday, 5 March, in their 1-0 win over Chippa United in a Betway Premiership encounter. Sibisi was the goal-scorer on the day.
So far, the talented centre-back has featured in six games across all competitions for the Sea Robbers. In those six matches, Mbokazi managed to keep four clean sheets for Pirates.
In addition, Mbokazi’s pleasing performance in their 1-0 win against Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba on Saturday afternoon earned him his third Man of the Match accolade of the season.
The youngster completed 83 touches, 71 passes, and 84.5% passing accuracy during their Betway Premiership clash against Rise and Shine.
MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI ON HOW TAPELO XOKI AND NKOSINATHI SIBISI HELPED HIM
Upon receiving his Man of the Match award, Mbokazi expressed gratitude towards Xoki and Sibisi for helping him conquer stage fright and be himself in the field of play.
“I will start by thanking my coach [Jose Riveiro] and teammates for the collective work we have put in. For me, it becomes easier to play alongside experienced players like Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki,” Mbokazi told SuperSport TV.
“They make my job simple because where I trust myself the most, they also add to my confidence and cover for me.
“The way I play, I’m playing without any fear because if you play with fear, you end up having problems and making a lot of mistakes. But they [Sibisi and Xoki] let me be myself and encourage me to do whatever I want to do [play my own game], and that helps me play with confidence without any stage fright because they are there to guide me at all times.”
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