Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says young Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has all the tools to make it in Europe and was one of the first names on his final 23-man list for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria next month.
The 19-year-old is only in his second season in professional ranks and has been a key part of his Orlando Pirates’ defence since being promoted in January.
Mbokazi has also been named one of the co-captains at Pirates this season and has so far walked the side out on several occasions. The upcoming camp will be Mbokazi’s second with senior national team, having impressed Broos in the international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique earlier in the year.
Broos outlined the player’s qualities, while adding that the youngster is the best the defender he has seen in his time as South African coach.
“This is a prayer I didn’t see that so much but from the beginning, he showed a very mature attitude,” said Broos on SABC 1.
“He’s confident, he’s strong, he has a good technique. He plays without fear and this is special for a young player and I was curious when he came with us in March. You see him playing with the team those friendly games, I was assured when I saw him playing. This was for me the proof that he’s a very good player, a very good defender, and a very young one.”
“So I never doubt one second when I made the list not to take him. He is really, really good and I think it’s a long time ago what I can say, because I don’t know the history of South African football, but the four years when I’m here, I never saw a defender like this and young. So I’m very happy with him.”
The coach added that he believes Mbokazi should go to Europe, though he needs another season here at home.
“I said for Rele also last year, I think it’s good for him to stay another year normally, Pirates will play Champions League,” added Broos.
“He’s playing in a good team they will play, I hope, and there will be more a good battle to be champion between Sundowns there and maybe Chiefs.
“And it will be good for him but if he goes on like this, this is a guy that has to go to Europe, certainly with the skills he has, with the quality he has. He’s a nice guy, is very humble in the group.
“Yeah, this is a guy who has to go to Europe next year, but the best thing for him is to stay now and just make performance, like he did till now.”
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