Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained why he believes Orlando Pirates will struggle to keep rising star and vice-club captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi beyond the season, and has offered his advice for the teenager.
Bafana will face off against Lesotho at Free State Stadium on 5 September, then welcome Nigeria to the same venue four days later in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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On Thursday, Broos named his final 23-man squad for the two matches and included in the list is 19-year-old Mbokazi.
He was named the Nedbank Cup's Most Promising Player last season and nominated for the Premiership's Young Player of the Season award, an accolade that eventually went to teammate Relebohile Mofokeng.
The 19-year-old made his senior national team debut in an international friendly against Mozambique in June.
While there have been no reported offers from abroad, Broos believes it is only a matter of time before the stocky defender attracts interest from overseas, but has urged him to stay put for now.
"I think what I said with Rele last year, I think it is good for him to stay another year. Normally, Pirates will play the [CAF] Champions League," Broos said on SABC Sport shortly after announcing his squad.
"He (Mbokazi) is playing on a good team. He will play, I hope, and there will be a good battle to be champions between (Mamelodi) Sundowns, them (Pirates) and maybe (Kaizer) Chiefs.
"It will be good for him. But if he goes on like this, this is a guy who has to go to Europe. Certainly, with the skills he has, with he quality he has. He is a nice guy. He is very humble in the group. This is a guy who has to go to Europe next year.
"But the best thing for him is that he has to stay for now and just continue with the performances like he is doing," added the veteran tactician.
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Meanwhile, Bucs recently lost winger Mohau Nkota to Saudi Pro League outfit AL Ettifaq, while Mofokeng has been the subject of heavy interest from MLS side Minnesota United.
The trio will all be part of the upcoming Bafana camp.
