Orlando Pirates development coach explains what makes Mbekezeli Mbokazi a true warrior

Mbokazi, who joined MLS side Chicago Fire earlier this year, has earned widespread praise for his aggressive, uncompromising defending. According to Makhanya, the 21-year-old's upbringing played a significant role in shaping the player he has become.

The former Pirates midfielder compared Mbokazi to ex-Buccaneers defender Lucas Thwala but insisted the youngster's warrior mentality comes from the challenges he faced growing up.

"He has those vibes (Thwala's style of play), but there is also that warrior in him, whereby he doesn't want to be defeated. He is the ultimate warrior, and no one can defeat him. Sometimes the dynamics of your upbringing shape you as a player. He is shaped a lot by where he is coming from, whereby he had to fight all his life," Makhanya said on SoccerBeat.

"You can see when he is on the field of play that he is fighting."

Makhanya also recalled an incident during Mbokazi's time at Pirates, when he learnt the defender had visited a hostel near his neighbourhood in Kagiso, west of Johannesburg.

"While playing for Pirates, some of the stories... When I get into a garage in my hood, there is a hostel there. I was told, 'Coach, we saw your player by the hostel.' Now I'm finding it tough to go and fetch a player at the hostel because I'm scared to go there," he said.

"I asked myself, 'What is Mbekezile doing at the hostel?' It took a lot of talking to him to say, 'Bro, your life has changed. I know these are your brothers and I'm not looking down on the environment, but you need to take better care of yourself. We can't be told you're at a hostel and now we have to fetch you.' These are some of the stories these kids have, but it has always been a joy working with them."

Mbokazi's fighting spirit has been evident throughout Bafana Bafana's impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, where his commanding defensive performances helped South Africa reach the knockout stages for the first time in the nation's history.

His displays have also fuelled speculation over his future, with reports linking the Chicago Fire defender with a move to Europe, with Nottingham Forest being among the clubs reportedly monitoring his progress.