Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has spoken out on whether talented defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi will be released by the Soweto giants for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
The global showpiece for the U-20s is set to take place between the 27th of September and the 20th of October 2025 in Chile. South Africa qualified for the tournament after clinching the U-20 AFCON after defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final a few months ago.
In that tournament, Pirates vice captain, Mbokazi, was a notable absentee from the squad after getting promoted from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side to the first team in March 2025. He has since become a key member of the first team.
During the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Morocco, the Soweto giants were involved in the CAF Champions League, Nedbank Cup, and the Betway Premiership title chase. At that time, Mbokazi was an integral part of Pirates’ defence under the then-head coach Jose Riveiro.
WHAT OUADDOU SAID ABOUT MBOKAZI’S POSSIBILITY OF GOING TO THE WORLD CUP
With Amajita going to camp in the coming weeks to prepare for the World Cup, Ouaddou says Pirates will not stand in the way of the youngster to represent the national team.
The 19-year-old has been a key man for the Sea Robbers in the new season, featuring in all seven matches across all competitions for the club. Mbokazi also played a huge role for Pirates as they secure a spot in the MTN8 final for the fourth season in a row.
In recent matches, the highly-rated centre-back has been captaining Pirates in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi, who sustained an injury.
“I never stop the player, and the club never stops the player from going to the national team. It’s a proud moment to represent the national team, to be part of the best players in the country,” Ouaddou said.
“Of course, we’re going to speak with management about that [Mbokazi’s possible departure for the World Cup], but of course, we can’t stop someone from joining the national team.”
Despite Ouaddou stating the club would not stand in his way, defender Mbokazi was not included in coach Raymond Mdaka’s preliminary squad for the upcoming U20 World Cup in Chile.
Mdaka announced the squad on Wednesday, just a day after Ouaddou’s comments. This development is unexpected, as the Buccaneers were reportedly open to letting the young defender join the U-20 African champions, Amajita, for their World Cup preparations. The potential willingness to release him was likely boosted by the return of Olisa Ndah from his injury layoff.
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