Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Mbekezeli TLB Mbokazi is one of the big men of his team, hence the 19-year-old defensive prodigy was the only player fielded for 90 minutes, captaining the side for part of the game, against Cypriot champions Pafos.
The teen wearing the armband as Bucs drew 1-1 in their friendly on Sunday at Marbella Football Centre as part of their preseason camp in Spain signified his future leadership prospects for the Soweto giants, new coach Ouaddou said.
Mbokazi is one of the big men of this team. He's a South African, he's proud of what he's doing and we're proud of him. He had a good game, Ouaddou said after the game.
It's normal we give him the captaincy. Step by step, we want to give him more time because he's going to be one of the main men this season and that's why we gave him that responsibility.
He was magnificent and he needs to continue like that.