The former head coach of Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates praised young South African national team defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, expressing admiration for the significant development in the young player’s level recently.
The South African national team is preparing to face on Friday in the second round of the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament being held in Morocco.
He previously coached Mbokazi (20 years old) during his tenure with , considering him “a player who possesses all the ingredients for success and playing at the highest levels.”
In statements, the coach pointed to “the physical aspect and mental strength, which distinguish the player from many others of the same age group.”
He said: “He has all the qualities to become a great player, and he also possesses a distinctive football mentality, with the ability to execute ideas. Perhaps I would say it’s arrogance but in a positive way, which makes him stand out in front of large crowds.”
Mbokazi played from the start in the South African national team’s 2-1 victory over Angola in the first round, delivering a distinguished performance.
It is worth noting that he led Orlando Pirates to the semi-finals of the previous edition, before moving in the summer to coach Al Ahly, where he did not achieve good results in the Club World Cup, and subsequent setbacks hastened his departure from the team.
Al Ahly
Al Ahly is a historic Egyptian sports club founded in Cairo in 1907, originally as a gathering place for Egyptian students and nationalists during British occupation. It has since grown into one of Africa’s most successful and popular football clubs, with a deeply rooted cultural and sporting legacy.
Orlando Pirates
The Orlando Pirates is a historic South African professional football club founded in 1937 in Orlando, Soweto. It is one of the country’s most popular and successful teams, with a legacy deeply intertwined with the anti-apartheid struggle and the development of black football talent.
South Africa
South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent, known for its diverse cultures, languages, and dramatic landscapes. Its modern history is profoundly shaped by colonialism and the institutionalized racial segregation of apartheid, which ended in 1994 with the establishment of a constitutional democracy and the election of Nelson Mandela as president.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded to unite African nations through sport and has grown from three initial participants to include 24 national teams competing for the continental title every two years.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the historic medinas of Fez and Marrakech, reflect this diverse heritage. The country is also known for its unique blend of Arab, African, and European influences in architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Angola
Angola is a country in southwestern Africa with a rich history shaped by powerful pre-colonial kingdoms like Kongo and Ndongo, followed by centuries of Portuguese colonization until it gained independence in 1975. Its cultural sites include the Fortress of São Miguel in Luanda, a historic Portuguese fort, and the Tundavala Gap, a stunning natural landscape. The nation’s culture reflects a blend of indigenous traditions and Portuguese influences, evident in its music, like semba and kizomba, and its diverse artistic expressions.
Club World Cup
The Club World Cup is an international men’s football tournament organized by FIFA, contested by the champion clubs from each of the six continental confederations. It was first held in 2000, succeeding the Intercontinental Cup, which had run since 1960 and pitted the champions of Europe and South America against each other.
