Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos: Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a special player
Star boy Mbekezeli Mbokazi was on Thursday named in Bafana Bafana's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria. Photo: Alche Greeff/BaclpagePix
Image: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has once again hyped up Mbekezeli Mbokazi after the 19-year-old Orlando Pirates vice-captain was included in the national team for World Cup qualifiers.
Mbokazi’s name is on everyone’s lips at the moment. The teenager has just been appointed as his club’s vice-captain, but has been given the armband in recent games in regular skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi’s absence.
His performances at the heart of Pirates’ defence have been so assured that he’s expected to play a big role in Bafana’s games against Lesotho and Nigeria, both of which will be played in Bloemfontein.
Before his international debut at the resumption of last season, Broos waxed lyrical about Mbokazi’s maturity, especially because he’s still so young.
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The Bafana Bafana squad announced by head coach Hugo Broos. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
After announcing his team on Thursday, Broos was once again impressed by his maturity.
“He’s confident, he’s strong, he has a good technique, and he plays without fear, and this is special for a young player,” the Belgian said on SABC Sport.
“I was curious when he came in [against Tanzania and Mozambique ]. To see him play with the team in the friendly games, and I was assured when I saw him playing.
“It was a proof that he’s a very good defender and a very young one. So, I never doubt one second when I made the list not to take him. He’s really good and in the four years that I’m here, I never saw a defender like this and young.
“So, I’m very happy with him.”
With the biggest tests of Bafana’s World Cup qualifying campaign on the horizon, Mbokazi now has the perfect stage to justify his coach’s glowing praise.
If the teenager can translate his club form onto the international stage, he won’t just be seen as the future of South Africa’s defence – he could become the difference-maker in their push towards a return to the World Cup.
Full Bafana Bafana squad
Goakleepers: Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates], Ricardo Goss [Siwelele FC],
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie [Siwelele FC], Zuko Mdunyelwa [Mamelodi Sundowns], Mbekezeli Mbokazi [Orlando Pirates], Khulumani Ndamane [TS Galaxy], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ime Okon [Hannover 96], Samukelo Kabini [Molde FK], Siyabonga Ngezana [FCSB],
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Bathusi Aubaas [Mamelodi Sundowns], Thalente Mbatha [Orlando Pirates], Luke Le Roux [Portsmouth FC]
Forwards: Kamogelo Sebelebele [Orlando Pirates], Oswin Appollis [Orlando Pirates], Patrick Maswanganyi [Orlando Pirates], Iqraam Rayners [Mamelodi Sundowns], Mduduzi Shabalala [Kaizer Chiefs], Mohau Nkota [Al-Ettifaq], Relebohile Mofokeng [Orlando Pirates].
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