Sibisi Praises Mbokazi’s Leadership In His Absence
Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has given credit to Mbekezeli Mbokazi for leading the team in his absence after sustaining a knee injury after just two games in the 2025/26 season.
Mbokazi had a great start to the season, which further earned him a call-up by Hugo Broos in the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The center back performed his best during the two games of the qualifiers, helping the squad to keep a clean sheets in their 3-0 victory against Lesotho and also earning himself a man of the match in their 1-1 draw against Nigeria, where he played magnificently.
“It is good to be back. It is never easy when you’re injured. In terms of being ready for selection, yeah, I’m ready for selection. I’ve been training with the guys, so it’s good to be back,” said Sibisi.
“With regards to Mbokazi captaining the team, I think he did a fantastic job,” Sibisi said of Mbokazi, who was named the vice captain of the side during the off-season.
“For him to lead such a big institution at his young age, to do the things that he has been doing, not only for Orlando Pirates but also for the national team.
“So it can only get better from here, and I say kudos to him for being able to take out that task.”
Mbokazi captained the Soweto Giants in Sibisi’s absence, including the MTN8 two-legged semi-finals against Mamelodi Sundowns, making him the only 19-year-old to lead an elite club currently in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Pirates will play Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday (18:00).
It remains to see whether Sibisi will form part of the defensive line in the Wafa Wafa Cup final since Mbokazi has formed a solid partnership with Lebone Seema.
