Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has delivered a glowing review of Orlando Pirates starlet and club-vice captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Broos' charges are gearing up to take on Lesotho at Free State Stadium on 5 September, then welcome Nigeria to the same venue four days later as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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On Thursday, Broos named his final 23-man squad for the two crucial encounters and included in the list is 19-year-old Mbokazi.
The left-footer was named the 24/25 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.
Mbokazi also made his senior national team debut in an international friendly against Mozambique in June, much to the delight of Broos, who insists he has not come across a better defender than Mbokazi since taking over as Bafana head coach in 2021.
"From the beginning, he (Mbokazi) showed a very mature attitude. He is confident, he is strong, he has a good technique, and he plays without fear, and this is special for a young player," Broos said on SABC Sport during the Bafana squad announcement.
"I was curious when he came with us. You see him playing with the team in those friendly games (against Mozambique), and it was proof for me that he is a very good player.
"I never doubt for one second that when I made the list, not to take him. For the four years I have been here, I have never seen a defender like this, and that young."
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Former Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro, who promoted Mbokazi to the first team, described the Hluhluwe-born star as 'a difficult player to find'.
"An interesting prospect. He’s a difficult player to find. Strong, competitive, good character, willing to learn, a coachable player so far," the Spaniard said in December 2024, shortly after Mbokazi was promoted to the first team.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
