Orlando Pirates vice-captain Tapelo Xoki has described former teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi as a rare kind of player, tipping him to become a defender who could drive Bafana Bafana to success in future.
Mbokazi completed a move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire FC in December 2025 from Pirates. It was a transfer that drew mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a perfect move for a player who only made his professional football debut in March 2025.
Others, however, felt his talent deserved a grander stage in Europe, with Bafana coach Hugo Broos leading the chorus of such sentiments. Expectations are high on the 20-year-old defender to remain in the coach’s plans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But Broos’ remarks have sparked fears that Mbokazi could lose his spot as a regular starter as a national team centre-back. Xoki has come in to back Mbokazi’s switch to the MLS as a life-changing opportunity for his former teammate and his family.
He also believes the transfer could benefit Bafana more in future as the 1996 African champions push to maintain their status as a respected team on the continent.
XOKI HAILS MBOKAZI’S MLS LEAP FROM PIRATES
“TLB [Mbokazi] must just continue being TLB. One special talent and one for ages,” said Xoki.
“We are all just supporting him from behind and praying that he uses this opportunity to elevate his career and help his family.
“So, we are just sending kudos to him and I’m sure the whole country is behind him. You have seen at AFCON how he played and that can only elevate our national team.
“So, we are hoping he continues to be the TLB that we know and he improves.”
With Romania-based defender Siyabonga Ngezana having undergone knee surgery, Broos could be sweating about who will partner Mbokazi in central defence. The two were the first-choice centre-backs at the 2025 AFCON finals.
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