Orlando Pirates are moving quickly to secure one of the South Africa Under-20 national team stars, who recently inspired a COSAFA U20 Cup 2-0 victory against Zambia in Mozambique.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Mbekezeli "Mkhaya" Mbokazi is set to be promoted to the senior Pirates team upon his return from Under-20 duties.
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Insiders close to the club and the player have indicated that Bucs are set to offer Mbokazi a four-year deal following his stellar performance in the tournament, particularly in the final on Saturday.
"The club is happy with the progress of Mbekezeli (Mbokazi). Their plans were to promote him to the senior team as soon as possible and after seeing his performance in the Under-20 national team they have been convinced that they need to keep him in the senior team and offer him a long term contract," said the Siya source.
"That's why they have offered him a four-year contract. We can't say it's a done deal yet but all is looking good as we speak," the source added.
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A second Siya source close to the situation stated that Mbokazi is similar in style to two former Bafana Bafana defenders, Aaron "Mbazo" Mokoena and Mbulelo "Old John" Mabizela, and keeping him ensures that Pirates continue to have a strong defence in future.
"He is a very good defender and if well monitored then he will follow in the footsteps of both Aaron Mokoena and 'Old John' Mabizela. He is a young, talented centre-back and the club is making sure that they don't lose him. He would soon be on his way to Europe as there are very few central defenders like him. So the four-year contract offered to him by the club is one step of adding value to the team and securing his future as well," the second source stated.
The four-year contract would keep the KZN-born defender at Pirates until June 2028. Their decision to offer a long-term contract to Mbokazi underscores their commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening their defence for the future. As Mbokazi transitions to the senior team, his development will be closely watched, with the potential to become a key player for Pirates and possibly attract interest from European clubs.
Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
