From debutant to CAF award nominee in just seven months, Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s rise has been rapid, and the legendary Gavin Lane has taken notice.
In football, few stories unfold this quickly. Mbokazi, barely seven months into his professional career, has already caught the eye of the entire continent.
The 20-year-old Pirates defender has been nominated for the CAF Young Player of the Year award, a remarkable achievement for someone who was still playing in the academy system just under two years ago.
The left-footed centre-back from Hluhluwe in KZN only made his senior debut for Pirates in March 2025, a 1-0 win over Chippa United under then-coach Jose Riveiro. Since then, he’s hardly put a foot wrong.
Mbokazi’s maturity on the ball and composure under pressure have stood out, earning him the captain’s armband for South Africa’s Under-20 side, which he led to COSAFA Championship glory. Back at club level, he played a crucial part in helping the Buccaneers finish second in the Betway Premiership and reach the CAF Champions League semi-finals, narrowly losing to eventual winners Pyramids FC last season. He has also captained Pirates in the new 2025/26 season.
His form has also translated to the international stage. Before turning 20, Mbokazi made his Bafana Bafana debut in a 2-0 victory over Mozambique at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, before going on to earn four caps. His standout display against Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers drew widespread praise, with his national team coach, Hugo Broos, calling for the youngster to move to Europe.
ORLANDO PIRATES LEGEND PRAISES MBOKAZI BUT WARNS HIM TO STAY HUMBLE
Now expected to make the AFCON 2025 squad in Morocco in December, Mbokazi’s rapid rise has earned admiration from fans, pundits, and former players alike, including one of the club’s most respected voices, Gavin Lane. The former Pirates captain, speaking on the SoccerBeat podcast, had nothing but praise for the youngster, but also a word of caution.
“He has all the talents he needs, and has the physicality,” Lane said. “’All you have to do is just keep yourself level-headed. Don’t go out and think now you’ve made Bafana and all that and get a big head’.
“Some of the guys playing in our era were getting some nice money, and then splashing it on big cars and things like that. And that is what happens when you get a lot of money.
“So just keep yourself level-headed and continue working. The coaches are always available to listen if you have problems'”, added Lane in his advice to Mbokazi.
“But ja, he is a great player and I am glad he is at Pirates,” Lane concluded with a laugh.
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