Retired defender Vuyo Mere has offered advice to budding Orlando Pirates star Mbekezeli Mbokazi after a controversial video surfaced showing him with well-known musician Big Zulu [Siyabonga Nene].
The viral social media video shows Mbokazi relaxing with musicians Big Zulu, Njabulo Langa, and Quality Biyela next to a table laden with various drinks on Tuesday, September 16th. The clip has sparked a debate, with many expressing concern about the teenager’s choice of friends.
Nicknamed ‘TLB’, the defender has been making significant strides since former Bucs coach Jose Riveiro gave him his debut with the senior team last season.
He recently earned his first cap for Bafana Bafana, and national team coach Hugo Broos has praised him as a shining talent. The Belgian mentor believes the 19-year-old is destined for Europe.
WHAT VUYO MERE SAID TO MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI
“It’s not a fluke where he is now,” Mere told FARPost. “He must ask himself what he did to get here. How did he get to be a captain of Orlando Pirates at his age? Everything he did was good; it helped him.
“Why would he want to introduce new things? Yes, there are things you can’t control, like people coming into your life wanting to associate with you. They can be around you, but are you mentally strong? Are you disciplined enough to say no to the wrong things? Or to see them before they come.”
Mere, who had a 23-year top-flight career and retired at 41 last year, warned the youngster that not everyone around him has good intentions.
“A lot of people will come claiming they have good intentions that are not good. I’m just hoping he continues living the life he was living before he became the captain of Orlando Pirates,” he added. “It’s so easy to get up there, but to stay up there is difficult.”
The former Mamelodi Sundowns, Moroka Swallows, and TS Galaxy right-back agrees with Broos that the left-footed defender can play in Europe. But he insists discipline will be key.
“He must realise he has the world on his shoulders; he can go further in his career if he continues being disciplined.”
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