Why Mbekezeli Mbokazi's red card will be good for Orlando Pirates! | OneFootball

A red card will send the player back to Buchanizer before everyone else.

Why Mbekezeli Mbokazi's red card will be good for Orlando Pirates!

While the red card that flashed against Zimbabwe last Friday was a bitter blow for Bafana Bafana, it may have inadvertently gifted Orlando Pirates a precious advantage. The man at the center of this twist of fate is their young captain, the formidable Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

At just 20 years old, Mbokazi has rapidly evolved into a pillar of strength for both club and country. His commanding presence in defense and uncompromising tackles have made him a fan favorite, earning him the rugged nickname 'TLB'. He has already skippered the Buccaneers to silverware this season with their MTN8 triumph and has become a reliable fixture in Hugo Broos' national squad.

His sending off in the World Cup qualifier, however, means he will be suspended for the crucial must-win match against Rwanda. While this is a significant setback for the national team, the narrative shifts for his club. Instead of enduring the physical and mental toll of another high-stakes international fixture, Mbokazi is now returning to Johannesburg early.

This unexpected week of rest is a blessing in disguise. Having already featured in 15 intense matches for both Pirates and Bafana Bafana this season, the young defender was undoubtedly in need of a respite. Had he played against Rwanda, he would have had a mere three days to recover before embarking on the challenging journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Now, well-rested and without the risk of injury from another game, a re-energized 'TLB' will be crucial for the Buccaneers. Their upcoming CAF Champions League clash against Saint Eloi Lupopo promises to be a stern test. The Pirates' backline will need to be at its most resilient, and having their captain fresh and ready for battle could be the decisive factor in securing a positive result on foreign soil. What seemed like a moment of indiscipline on the international stage has, through a curious turn of events, become a strategic boon for the Orlando Pirates' continental ambitions.