Mbokazi has everything to become a complete defender, says Bantam

Former Santos FC, Mpumalanga Black Aces and Bidvest Wits FC midfielder Marawaan Bantam has described Mbekezeli Mbokazi as a “complete defender” with the strength and ability to develop into an outstanding player.

Speaking to KickOff for its In The Spotlight feature, Bantam said the young defender possessed all the qualities required in the modern game.

“That bro has got everything,” Bantam said. “He is strong, still young; he can distribute, he can tackle. He is a complete defender.”

Cape Town-born Bantam, who was nicknamed ‘Beans’, was known during his playing career for his technical ability, expertise from dead-ball situations and strong work ethic.

His favourite period came at Santos, where he made his PSL debut during the 2003/04 season.

“Definitely at Santos; nothing beats playing at home,” he said. “I enjoyed playing in Cape Town as it made things easier for family and friends to be present in all my home games. Home is where the heart is.”

Bantam identified that debut as the biggest achievement of his career, but also recalled a painful moment from the same season.

He missed a penalty for Santos against Moroka Swallows in the semi-final of the Absa Cup at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg. Greg Etafia saved his attempt, and Santos lost the match.

“That was the lowest point for me,” Bantam said. “It was because of my penalty that we lost that semi-final game. I hit it quite well, but Greg Etafia saved it.”

Bantam listed Doctor Khumalo, Duncan Crowie and Reggie Jantjies among his football idols. Among overseas players, he admired Diego Maradona and David Beckham.

He said his route into football began when a neighbour named Dennis took him to his first club when he was nine years old. Bantam said he could not remember Dennis’s surname.

The former midfielder also criticised the treatment of young players by match officials, saying he disliked seeing junior footballers denied fair decisions by referees and linesmen.

“They are still learning about the game, so to be cheated at that age, for me, it’s not on,” he said.

Asked which PSL club he would choose if he could return as a player, Bantam said he would not change his career.

“I wouldn’t change my life for anything,” he said. “I’ve had enough of quite everything. I did well in my soccer career.”

Bantam named former Jomo Cosmos defender Andrew Rabutla as the opponent who caused him the most problems.

“That guy gave me a tough time,” he said. “That guy would kick me left, right, and centre. You ask him about it, he would swear at you. That guy was a no-nonsense defender.”

His favourite club, meanwhile, remains Kaizer Chiefs.