- Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana both want teenage sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
- SAFA is hopeful Pirates will release him for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
- Debate grows on whether he should focus on Bafana qualifiers or showcase his talent globally with Amajita.
Orlando Pirates’ rising star Mbekezeli Mbokazi (19) is at the centre of heated debate as the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile approaches. The South African U20 side, Amajita, will compete from 27 September to 19 October, but questions remain over whether Mbokazi should join the squad or focus on Bafana Bafana’s crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Raymond Mdaka will soon announce the final 23-man squad for Amajita, but uncertainty surrounds Mbokazi’s availability. Since the tournament falls outside FIFA’s official calendar, clubs are not obliged to release their players.
Mentor Says Bafana Should Come First
Bheki Mdletshe, who coached Mbokazi in Hluhluwe, believes the defender should prioritise playing for Bafana Bafana.
“Representing the senior national team will give him more exposure, especially with overseas clubs already monitoring him,” Mdletshe said. “I spoke with him, and his focus is on Bafana rather than the U20s.”
Mbokazi last represented Amajita when they won the COSAFA Cup in Mozambique last year, forming a solid defensive partnership with Tylon Smith, now at Queens Park Rangers in England.
Pirates Coach Won’t Stand in His Way
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made it clear that the club will not block Mbokazi from representing his country.
“As a captain, it’s important for him to wear the national jersey. We’ll engage with SAFA and his management, but we won’t stop him from playing for the national team,” said Ouaddou.
SAFA Confident of Pirates’ Cooperation
South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan expressed optimism that Pirates will release the defender for the global showpiece.
“We haven’t seen a defender of this quality at U20 level for years,” Jordaan told SABC. “The World Cup is a massive stage, and we hope Pirates will align with us.”
Other players expected in Mdaka’s squad include Siyabonga Mabena of Mamelodi Sundowns, Naledi Hlongwane of Kaizer Chiefs, and Tylon Smith.
What Lies Ahead for Mbokazi?
Whether Mbokazi lines up for Bafana’s senior team or Amajita at the U20 World Cup, one thing is certain: his talent is drawing significant attention both locally and abroad. For now, fans wait anxiously for SAFA’s squad announcement and Pirates’ final decision.