Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has expressed confidence in Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s ability to handle Cameroon’s dangerous ace Bryan Mbuemo.
South Africa face Cameroon in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 on Sunday, with kickoff at 20:00 at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium.
Both teams are battling for a spot in the quarter-finals, and much of Bafana’s defensive stability will depend on Mbokazi and his partnership with Siyabonga Ngezana.
Mbokazi has shown his quality in recent months, delivering solid performances in Bafana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria, where his composure and reading of the game stood out.
MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI HAS PROVEN HIS QUALITY
He also impressed during the AFCON group stage, keeping his cool against Egypt and helping South Africa navigate tense moments against Zimbabwe. His ability to close down dangerous forwards, win duels, and stay organised in the backline has made him a key figure in Hugo Broos’ plans.
Speaking ahead of the Cameroon clash, Baloyi praised Mbokazi’s defensive abilities and mental approach to big games:
“As much as Mbuemo is a great player, we have seen what he can do at Manchester United,” Baloyi said on Soccer Beat. “We can trust in TLB that he can close him down, the same way he looked after Mohamed Salah.
“I think he loves that type of duels, where he has to close down a big-name player. It is what he enjoys. I think we will see the best of him against Mbuemo…
“It is clear that his agent and Orlando Pirates made a big error,” Baloyi said when asked about Mbokazi’s move to Chicago Fire before the AFCON.
“He can play in a slightly better league. Before two big tournaments, why rush to take him to America?
“I also think there are a few other things we need to do right. If we do, I think we will win the game easily. It will be an attacking set-up, instead of thinking too much about defending. We need to start thinking about winning the tournament now. We need to attack the games.
“If we stop Cameroon from making high crosses, half the job will be done. But should the crosses come in, Williams is good at dealing with that,” Baloyi added.
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