Orlando Pirates player Mbekezeli Mbokazi is facing some troubling claims about his age. Reports suggest that the 20-year-old is actually 27.
His former coach has stepped forward to deny these allegations of age fraud.
“I can confirm, I saw Mbekezeli’s birth certificate and ID when he joined us,” stated Wonder Mnguni in an interview with iDiski Times. “He was in Grade 10 as of 2023.”
“He started school a bit late for his age. Also, while he may appear older on TV, seeing him in person shows he is still quite young.
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The academy coach added that Mbokazi’s strength and determination might lead people to question his actual age.
Meanwhile, Mbokazi is set to play for Bafana Bafana against Zimbabwe in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers on Friday night. The match will start at 18:00 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.