A club legend has offered a word of advice to Orlando Pirates rising star Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has collected three Man of the Match awards in just eight appearances.
Mbokazi made his first senior team appearance in a 1-0 victory over Chippa United at the start of March and has since become indispensable.
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The injuries to Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane have barely been noticeable, with the young centre-back also keeping out club captain Innocent Maela.
Mabalane, who played for Pirates from 2008 to 2012 and was part of the double treble-winning squad, has urged Mbokazi to remain focused.
"Mbokazi has been much talked-about and I think he has been outstanding. A soldier, tough opponent because if you play against him, physically, he is imposing. I think that is one of his strengths," Mabalane told media at a SuperSportBet event this week.
"But I have seen him play in the DDC as well, a few games, and it's good to see him play in the first team, finally making it. Not just making it, but doing very well.
"For me, he has got the character, but also mentally and also just understanding that Pirates is not a once-off thing. He also needs to monitor and understand that this is a big club," he continued.
The former winger, affectionately known as 'Terminator', says the more recognition a player gets, the more pressure will be on him.
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"So, for me, the advice to him is to just stay focused.
"How do I deal with that, and how do I stay focused for that matter? Because it's difficult when you play for Pirates and you have that kind of attention."
Mbokazi and teammates will be in CAF Champions League action today (18:00), battling Pyramids FC in the first leg of the semi-finals at FNB Stadium.
