Orlando Pirates' young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has earned the praise of a legendary figure in South African football following his flawless display in what was his first Soweto Derby on Saturday.
Bucs came from behind to defeat rivals Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in a Betway Premiership encounter played at a packed FNB Stadium.
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At just 19, Mbokazi has made 12 appearances in all competitions for the side, having broken through midway through the season.
Mlungisi Ngubane believes the Hluhluwe-born lad was always destined to perform well in high-pressure matches.
"Mbokazi has already passed the test in the CAF games," says 'Professor'.
"The boy is very strong and not easily intimidated. The only challenge in the Soweto Derby is the crowd, but Mbokazi has moved past the stage of being intimidated by fans. He's a confident young man.
"This player embodies the characteristics of old-school players who don’t care about the opposition. There are those who aren’t fazed by the crowd, and I was one of them.
"From observing him, I can tell he is not the type of player who freezes during a derby. Instead, he makes a name for himself.
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"That’s what I see in him. Sometimes his inexperience shows, but he is the kind of person who says: ‘I don’t want to fail’. He won’t let himself down. He plays with freedom," added the former dribbling wizard.
The two giants face off again on Saturday, this time in a Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
