Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo believes that Mbekezeli Mbokazi can be one of the best defenders of his generation.
The 19-year-old has taken the domestic and international scenes by storm and has impressed in just three outings with the senior national team. Khumalo spoke to the media including iDiski Times journalist Lethabo Kganyago on the eve of Bafana’s 1-1 draw with Nigeria where Mbokazi was voted Man of the Match.
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’16V’ said it’s good that the Orlando Pirates centre-back was thrown in the deep end as young as he is, and he is always giving his 100%.
“[He can become one of the best] you look at [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi and obviously, he hasn’t featured much in the national set-up,” said Khumalo.
“He’s only played in the [CAF] Champions League or probably Orlando Pirates, and he’s going to be facing very experienced players from Europe. But at the end of the day, it’s about who has it more. And if you look at Mbokazi, he has never been on the field with a weak mind, with a weak heart. He will always strive to be the winner, and that kind of a player is very rare to find.
“Mbokazi is not just an ordinary player, but what he brings on the day is hard work, and this is what makes him to become one of the best central defenders we have. Yes, I understand experienced players, we’re playing against them, but what I like about him, the composure and being bold enough to challenge.”
“I mean, he’s played better strikers in the PSL, and he silenced them. So why can’t he do it? So, when are we going to realise that he can do it if you don’t throw him into the deep end, hence I’m saying, let’s not shy away from giving them the platform, these young boys.”
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