Focus has zoomed in on Mbekezeli Mbokazi ahead of Bafana Bafana's World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Bloemfontein, which should mark arguably the most physical test of his career so far.
Both Bafana and the Super Eagles are in high spirits after winning their last matches, against Lesotho and Rwanda, 3-0 and 1-0 respectively. The two rivals will meet in what is expected to be a thrill-a-minute match in the Free State on Tuesday (18:00).
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Hugo Broos' troops enjoy top spot in Group C of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, having collected 16 points after seven matches, while the West Africans are six points adrift in third place.
Matches between the two, since Mzansi's readmission into the international space in 1992, have been known to produce fireworks.
Nigeria have already touched down in South Africa with some high-profile overseas-based players part of the travelling party, including Ademan Lookman and Simon Ndidi.
Unfortunately, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen will play no part in what is a potential life-and-death fixture for Nigeria, after picking up an injury against Rwanda over the weekend.
Former Bafana coach Augusto Palacios is confident Mbokazi is more than capable of marshalling things in the rearguard to thwart any danger, together with the rest of the defence.
“Sometimes names don’t mean anything in football, it's 11 vs 11,” notes the veteran mentor.
“It’s a going to be a big test for Mbokazi to face a team of Nigeria's calibre with big international players, but I believe the boy is ready”.
"He is strong and confident. He has already played some of the big games in Africa, and I believe he will do well against any player that he will come face-to-face with against Nigeria,” he continued.
Furthermore, the 73-year-old watched in awe as his protégé Lyle Foster grabbed the second goal against Lesotho as Bafana ran out 3-0 winners last Friday.
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“I pray that he stays injury-free. He is doing well, and this is good for Bafana Bafana.
"I am also happy to see Thabiso Monyane receiving his call-up with Bafana Bafana. Remember, they both arrived when they were 12 years old at my Academy before transferring to Orlando Pirates when they were 15 years old,” said Palacios.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
