Insight: Can Mbokazi’s younger brother make it?

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Insight: Can Mbokazi’s younger brother make it?

Aug 23, 2026 – 11:58 am
By Kickoff Reporter

Following interest on the emergence of Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s brother Zanathi, who is looking for a professional breakthrough, KickOff has insight on the potential of the 18-year-old.

Qophelo Zanathi Mbokazi is the latest talent to emerge from his family, shortly after the meteoric rise of his older brother, Mbekezeli, who currently plays for Chicago Fire, after his signing from Orlando Pirates in January 2026.

The teenage centre-back was in the spotlight after representing uMkhanyakude Football Academy in the Engen provincial Knockout Challenge which was held in Durban in July, where he is reported to have a good potential, just like his brother.

This website spoke to Wonder Mnguni, who discovered the older Mbokazi and got him playing through the Langalibalele Sports Academy, before sending him out to trials, on what he makes of the talent of Zanathi.

Unlike his older brother, who was more of a natural and a freak of nature at the same time, Mnguni suggested that the teenage defender could still need some time before nurturing into a big talent.

“If he can get a coach who is going to give him time, maybe he can become a great player but for now he needs time,” Mnguni cautioned.

“You know some players just come and make it the first time but some players need time to grow, after that they become better players.

“Also if he can get a coach who will believe in him and groom, he can become a better player,” Mnguni added.

Zanathi did not grow up in the same household as Mbekezeli, hailing from Kwahlabisa in KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 70 kilometers away from Hluhluwe, where the former Pirates defender comes from.