Former Bafana Bafana captain Mbulelo Mabizela has given his verdict on the rising defensive partnership between Ime Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, insisting the duo should be given time and space to anchor the national team’s backline.
Okon and Mbokazi were ever-present for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing every single minute (360) of South Africa’s historic campaign in North America.
The pair delivered composed displays at the heart of the defence, showing impressive maturity as the tournament progressed. After shutting out South Korea in a crucial group-stage fixture, they turned in monumental performances in the Round of 32 against Canada.
Mabizela’s praise is firmly backed by the underlying data. Across four matches, Okon boasted an elite 92% passing accuracy while covering 39.6 km, whereas Mbokazi registered a staggering 31 clearances without picking up a single booking—confirming their status as Hugo Broos’ most dependable central defensive unit.
With Mbokazi aged just 20 and Okon 22, the former Orlando Pirates skipper, Mabizela, believes the centre-backs must be given time and space to build on that momentum.
WHY MBULELO MABIZELA IS IMPRESSED WITH YOUNG BAFANA BAFANA DUO
Speaking to FARPost, Mabizela lauded the duo’s potential while cautioning against harsh judgment following their baptism of fire on the global stage.
“I would say I was impressed, I think they have the potential to grow playing as partners at the back,” Mabizela told FARPost
“We have seen Mbokazi, he did well at the World Cup, and so I think Okon also needs to be on the same level so that they can match each other well at the back.
“At the moment, I think they are our best defenders; they are doing well. So we should not criticise them too much for what happened at the World Cup because it was a big stage.”
The former defender added: “Their combination was just for a short time, and it was a World Cup, which is a very big stage. So there is no room for errors there. They have learned a lot during the World Cup, and I feel it will be a good partnership going forward. I surely believe in them.”
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