Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are among the three clubs that rejected an opportunity to sign Mbekezeli Mbokazi before he joined Orlando Pirates.
Mbokazi has been one the standout performers in the top-tier of South African ever since making his debut for the Buccaneers earlier this month.
However, before the youngster could think of one day dawning the black and white of Pirates, he was offered to Chiefs, Sundowns, and Golden Arrows.
IN OTHER RELATED NEWS:
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi Set To Sign A Long-Term Deal At Pirates
• Riveiro On Mbokazi’s Start Perfect Start
• Orlando Pirates Starlet Accused of Age Cheating
Speaking to FarPost, Langalibalele Academy head coach Wonder Mnguni revealed how Mbokazi got to represent his club at the 2023 Engen Cup, where they were knocked out of the competition by AmaZulu FC in the semi-finals.
He also revealed that he called the then Chiefs head of development, Molefi Ntseki, and the club’s legend Ace Khuse telling them about Mbokazi and how good he is.
The duo promised to come and see the youngster, but they never did, which led to Mnguni explaining how Sundowns were also impressed by Mbokazi but only wanted him to join the club in September 2023 while the tournament was in July 2023.
The delay led to the move not happening, and which saw the then Arrows’ Dstv Diski Challenge head coach Japhet Zwane wanting to sign Mbokazi, but the academy decided against it due financial difficulties Arrows was facing.
Arrows’ failure to lure the then 18-year-old player saw their rivals, Usuthu come close to signing the player to only be beaten by the Buccaneers in the eleventh hour.
Mbokazi has since gone on to play four times for Pirates’ first-team, scoring once while also winning two man of the man awards the latest against Mamelodi Sundowns.