Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has dropped a major indication that he could turn to a DStv Diski Challenge graduate in a bid solve a defensive headache.
The Soweto giants have been rocked by what may be described as an injury crisis this season, particularly in terms of centre-backs.
With Tapelo Xoki injured towards the end of 2023/24, Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane started the current campaign as the preferred centre-back pairing for the Spaniard.
However, Ndah suffered a major injury in September that has left him out of action since.
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Sesane, who enjoyed a sensational start to the season, also suffered a ruptured tendon injury that will sideline him for several months.
Alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi, Riveiro had turned to Xoki, who recently returned from injury.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic man, though, is far from peak condition having not played competitive football for a lengthy period, as evidenced by the performance against Mamelodi Sundowns.
In the following encounter, against Baroka FC, the head coach started with Xoki, who came off for Innocent Maela in the second half, though the skipper looked out of place.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi makes the @orlandopirates 1st team match day squad. ?? pic.twitter.com/xjUF2MnmrS
— QT Sports (Pty) Ltd (@qtsports) February 19, 2025
For Pirates' latest match - a postponed league match against Golden Arrows - Riveiro included the club's reserve team captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi as a substitute.
This is a major indication that the 19-year-old's professional debut is imminent and he could, at least in the meantime, provide valuable cover as the side's regular centre-backs regain match fitness.
He was part of the national U20 side that won the 2024 COSAFA Cup and was also in the Carling All-Stars team that defeated Magesi FC in the Carling Cup.
Riveiro himself has spoken highly of the club's reserve team captain.
"He is an interesting prospect. He's a difficult player to find. Left-footed centre-backs, there are not many," h said when asked about Mbokazi.
"Strong, competitive, good character, willing to learn, a coachable player so far.
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"Like for everybody else, on Saturday (of the Carling Cup final, he has) an opportunity to confirm what I'm saying or to prove me wrong maybe, let's see.
"I don't really like to talk so much about individuals, as you know. But I'm making an exception again.
"He will show the player that he is on Saturday, for sure," added Riveiro.