Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi expressed his delight at the support given to him and his team by the club’s supporters after a man-of-the-match display against Richards Bay FC in the Carling Knockout semi-final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The Buccaneers’ 1-0 win over Richards Bay FC sees them progress to the final, with Marumo Gallants joining them after beating Golden Arrows on penalties at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Gallants will now face Pirates in the Carling Knockout final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 6 December.
“I will start with thanking all those who voted for me. I do not know what to say to them. My level of happiness is high, and I become confident when there are so many people who are on my side,” Mbokazi told Orlando Pirates TV.
“Sometimes it helps that I don’t disappoint them. I know mistakes happen, but I promise not to disappoint them. I am very happy with all those who voted for me, and I am very thankful. I cannot put my gratitude into words; thank you to them for trusting me. I promise not to disappoint them.”
Mbokazi walked away with R100 000, after he reportedly had been fined the CFH 5000 (approximately R108 000) by FIFA for his red card against Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in October.
He served a one-match suspension for Bafana Bafana’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Rwanda, which was enough to see Hugo Broos’ side qualify for the World Cup.
“The many fans in the stadium made us happy as a team, not only me but the whole team. Without them, we are nothing; their screaming, being happy for us, makes us confident,” Mbokazi continued on Pirates TV.
“Even though we make mistakes, they are with us. If we are forsaken by them, we cannot do anything. If they support us, we can do the right things. Thank you to them for supporting and not giving up on us. What happens, happens; we cannot change it, we ask them to always be with us. We also love them the way they love us.”
The 20-year-old will now have to shift his focus to international duty, after being included in Bafana Bafana’s 23-man squad for the international friendly against Zambia on 15 November at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
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