Orlando Pirates youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi has opened up regarding the two team-mates that have been instrumental in his quick rise in the team.
The 19-year-old defender has taken to life at Pirates like fish to water with impressive performances having just made his senior team debut last month.
Already, he has put in a number of Man of the Match performances, including last weekend’s 1-0 win over Polokwane City, and he remains fearless while showing a cool head that can only be associated with experienced players.
Who has given Mbokazi confidence at Pirates?
Mbokaz attributes his great performances to the help he has received from Pirates team-mates Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi, his centre-back partners.
“I will start by thanking my coach [Jose Riveiro] and teammates for the collective work we have put in. For me, it becomes easier to play alongside experienced players like Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki,” Mbokazi told SuperSport TV.
“They make my job simple because where I trust myself the most, they also add to my confidence and cover for me.
“The way I play, I’m playing without any fear because if you play with fear, you end up having problems and making a lot of mistakes.
Teen star has been ever-present since his debut
“But they [Sibisi and Xoki] let me be myself and encourage me to do whatever I want to do [play my own game], and that helps me play with confidence without any stage fright because they are there to guide me at all times.”
Since his first match against Chippa United on March 5, the defender has not missed a minute of action, playing all six games for the Buccaneers, and his performances have remained top.
He was a key performer as Pirates secured a 1-0 win in the CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg in Algeria against MC Alger and will be required to repeat the same in the return match on Wednesday.
