Why Pirates blocked Mbokazi's AFCON dream

In what is fast becoming a hallmark of Mbekezeli Mbokazi's meteoric rise, the teenage defender is already facing decisions most young players only confront much later in their careers.

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While South Africa's U20 national team is currently competing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, one of its most promising prospects is absent - not through injury or selection snub, but because Orlando Pirates refused to release him. At just 19 years old, Mbokazi has become an increasingly trusted figure in the heart of the Buccaneers' defence, and his absence from the Amajita squad has sparked debate. Soccer Laduma's Siya crew has now established that the real reason for his non-involvement at the AFCON is Pirates' refusal to release him - a club decision stemming from their belief that the player is now too important to be let go during a critical period in their domestic campaign.

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has identified Mbekezeli Mbokazi as a key component of his plans, in light of recent defensive setbacks, including the injury of Olisa Ndah and the suspension of Nkosinathi Sibisi. In last weekend's Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, the defender thrived, putting in a mature, commanding performance alongside Tapelo Xoki as Pirates won 2-1 at a packed FNB Stadium.

This remarkable showing has only cemented Riveiro's stance, and sources close to both club and country now say that while Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka had initially selected Mbokazi for the AFCON squad, Pirates firmly rejected the call-up request. It's a decision that may signal the end of Mbokazi's U20 international journey because, according to our sources, Bafana Bafana are already watching.

The Siya crew can confirm that Mbokazi was indeed part of the provisional Amajita squad submitted by coach Mdaka for the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations. However, when the time came to assemble the final travelling group, Pirates declined to release the defender, citing their packed fixture list and the player's growing importance to the first team.