Mbekezeli Mbokazi Urged to Keep Focus After CAF Snub
Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been urged to stay focused despite missing out on the CAF Young Player of the Year Award top three. The 20-year-old has impressed since breaking into top-flight football earlier this year, earning praise for his performances at both club and national level.
Mbokazi has featured in high-profile competitions, including the CAF Champions League semi-final, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and international friendlies. He has already claimed domestic silverware, winning the MTN8 with Pirates, and has consistently shown potential in South Africa’s top league. His achievements earned him a nomination for the CAF Young Player of the Year Award, though compatriot Tylon Smith of Queens Park Rangers, Ajax Amsterdam’s Abdellah Ouazane, and Watford’s Othmane Maama made the final shortlist.
Former Pirates defender Benson Mhlongo advised Mbokazi to view the snub as motivation rather than disappointment. “He is still new to professional football. He made the hype towards the end of last season. He showed potential, but let’s not read too much into this one,” Mhlongo said. “Next season, he will still be young. He must put his head up and know that supporters believe in him. Take this as a positive sign and keep going.”
South Africa still has several representatives among CAF Awards finalists. Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is in the Goalkeeper of the Year category, competing against Morocco’s Munir Mohamedi and Yassine Bonou of Al Hilal. Sundowns are also in the Club of the Year shortlist alongside Pyramids FC and RS Berkane.
On the women’s side, Andile Dlamini has been named among the top three for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, competing with Morocco’s Khadija Er‑Rmichi and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The CAF Awards winners will be revealed on November 19 in Rabat, Morocco. South African fans hope their representatives will secure honours, further promoting local talent and attracting investment into the domestic game.
