Orlando Pirates Reserves' head coach Joseph Makhanya has offered a word of advice to rising star Mbekezeli Mbokazi who recently made his first team debut for the Buccaneers.
After impressing at both in DStv Diski Challenge and the Under 20 COSAFA, Mbokazi was handed a debut for Pirates in a 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants.
The 19-year-old further impressed in the match, scoring in a 2-2 draw against SuperSport United and earning a Man of the Match award as Pirates progressed to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup after the winning the match on penalties.
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With Sesane out of action for what is expected to be a lengthy period and Olisa Ndah still building up match fitness, Mbokazi has provided vital cover and is expected to play a big role in the remaining matches for Pirates.
The man partly responsible for the rise of Mbokazi through the Buccaneers' development ranks, Makhanya, has some stern advice for the 19-year-old.
"My advice to him (Mbokazi) is that he needs to keep his feet firm on the ground," Makhanya told reporters in Seshego.
"And lean towards [Nkosinathi] Sibisi and lean towards [Tapelo] Xoki and understand the game better because he's a new kid on the block. He needs to understand even more because now the game that side is more tactical, it's more about mindset, it's more about the quality.
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"So, it means he can't be seen doing things because there are certain things that he needs to cut out, maybe running with the ball unnecessarily at times because he feels at DDC he could get away with it because of his physical profile.
"But that side now he finds himself playing against the likes of [Bienvenue] Eva Nga who are big in stature. He needs to make up his mind a bit quicker to find his next player so the ball progresses again."