Ex-Orlando Pirates defender points out Mbokazi's one weakness

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Former Orlando Pirates defender Tonic Chabalala has been impressed with Mbekezeli Mbokazi but highlighted one factor that might be a concern.

Since making his debut for the Buccaneers a few weeks ago, the 19-year-old has hardly put a foot wrong. Against Mamelodi Sundowns, Mbokazi put on a Man of the Match performance to help Orlando Pirates to a 2-1 win.

Chabalala, who represented the Sea Robbers in the mid-2000s, had credited his former teammate Joseph Makhaya for his work in the Bucs’ development.

“I know it’s too early to judge, but you can identify a good player (Mbokazi) in a matter of seconds. The boy’s game is developing nicely, which shows that ‘Duku-Duku’ (Joseph Makhanya) is doing very well in the DDC (DStv Diski Challenge),” he said as per Kickoff.

Mbokazi a new hero for Orlando Pirates

“He is proving to be a good asset, and Pirates are benefiting a lot because these days we are no longer buying players as much.

“Big games, such as the one against Sundowns, are often said to either make or break you, but Mbokazi fitted in perfectly.

“You can tell from the goal he scored against SuperSport that this boy is confident. It’s very rare for a defender to score like a seasoned striker,” Chabalala.

The former Orlando Pirates defender said Mbokazi’s only weakness was a lack of pace. He said the teenager needs to work hard on his fitness to make up for the lack of speed.

“I’m only concerned about his pace. He needs to work on his fitness because his physique may be a disadvantage in football, especially since most strikers are smaller and quicker.

“Additionally, he seems to rely on his right foot mainly for walking, which means as a centre-back, he is somewhat limited to playing left-centre-back.

“He can’t be effectively utilised as a right centre-back,” Chablala said on the Orlando Pirates youngster.