Lucky Lekgwathi Praises Teenage Captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s Rapid Rise

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has expressed pride in the emergence of teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, highlighting the remarkable journey of the 20-year-old centre-back. Mbokazi has become a key figure in Pirates’ squad, leading the team from the backline and guiding them in their Betway Premiership title challenge this season.

Speaking at the club’s Black Friday sale at Orlando Stadium, Lekgwathi reflected on Mbokazi’s leadership and maturity at such a young age. He noted that while he had long hoped to see the youngster move overseas early in his career, captaining Pirates to a league title at just 20 would be an achievement for the ages.

“It’s good to be given responsibility at a young age. I played with Old John [Mabizela] and he was my captain at the team and also the national team. He [Mbokazi] reminds me of OJ, and I don’t want to compare them, but he won the league as the youngest captain ever. It takes us back and I’m happy for Mbokazi to be given that responsibility and he’s handling it well, we spoke about him leading the team and I’m so happy,” Lekgwathi said.

Mbokazi has also been at the centre of intense transfer speculation. Reports suggest a potential R51 million move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire is gaining momentum. Despite this, he continues to anchor Pirates’ defence and remains central to Abdeslam Ouaddou’s title push.

Lekgwathi highlighted the importance of the defender’s potential move abroad, insisting it would be well earned and could serve as inspiration for other young players coming through the system. “He’s talented and it’s well deserved that he could be going overseas. He showed it with the team and the national team and it was my wish to see him go overseas at a young age. It will serve as a motivation to other youngsters to work hard so that they can get their own opportunities,” Lekgwathi added.

Mbokazi’s rapid rise underscores Pirates’ focus on nurturing young talent while remaining competitive at the top of the PSL. His leadership, maturity, and on-field performances have already made him a figure to watch, both domestically and abroad.