Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi should be playing in Europe following yet another impressive performance in the national team colours.
The Orlando Pirates defender put in a strong performance, holding his own against a formidable Nigerian attack that included some of Africa’s top players like Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, and Alex Iwobi. The match ended in a 1-1 draw during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.
South Africa now needs just one win from their last two games to secure a place at next year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Mbokazi, who was playing only in his third international match, partnered Siyabonga Ngezana in the centre of defence.
And due to his impressive display, the Soweto giants’ young defender walked away with the Man of the Match award.
HUGO BROOS IMPRESSED WITH MBEKEZILE MBOKAZI’S PERFORMANCES
Despite conceding one goal, the pair of Mbokazi and Ngezana looked solid and secured Bafana Bafana the all-important draw.
“Look at a guy like Mbokazi. This guy has to go to Europe,” said Broos. “He’s 19 years old, but the way he plays is like he already has 10 years of experience at this [international] level. It’s his third game with the national team, but do you see how he plays? So again, let’s hope that some players can take those steps next year. It will be good for South African football, believe me.”
The Belgian coach believes the national team’s recent performances will help more players seal moves abroad in Europe, which will ultimately benefit South African football.
“We can be sure that if they play in competitions that are of a higher level than our PSL here in South Africa, they’ll become better when they play in those competitions [in Europe].
“So let’s hope the guys have the opportunity in future, next season maybe, to go and play abroad. Maybe the PSL teams will not be happy to hear that [laughed].”
RELATED STORY: Lekgwathi compares Mbokazi to legend Old John Mabizela
