Hugo Broos hails Mbekezeli Mbokazi as Bafana Bafana’s rising star ahead of the World Cup qualifiers

Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a special player, and that is why his Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, believes he is already destined for bigger and better things.

Mbokazi was initially brought in as a “quick-fix” for an Orlando Pirates central defensive unit ravaged by injuries last season. Instead, he seized the opportunity, becoming not only a cornerstone of the team but also one of its captains this campaign.

His performances and leadership qualities have earned him widespread plaudits, including recognition from Broos, who drafted him into his final squad for two crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein next Friday and Tuesday.

Mbokazi’s senior call-up means he will miss the South Africa U20 camp ahead of their participation in the World Cup in Chile later this month. Broos admitted to having mixed emotions about this, knowing that the chance to play in a global showpiece at youth level could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Belgian himself played in a World Cup at just 17 years old.

At the same time, he acknowledged that Pirates may be reluctant to release Mbokazi, given his importance to their domestic and continental ambitions. Should he not travel to Chile, the teenager would also be available for Bafana’s final qualifiers in October — a prospect that clearly pleases Broos, who has taken a strong liking to him.

“It’s like he’s been playing in the top flight for five years,” Broos said after his squad announcement on Thursday.

“He’s confident, and he’s strong. He’s a very good defender, even against good players.

“Against Sundowns, he was marking (Iqraam) Rayners, who’s not an easy player, but he pushed him aside. He has the power as well.

"With youngsters, they often look unsure at first. He might have been good with Pirates before coming to the national team in June, but he didn’t look out of place with us either.

"That’s something special for a player who’s only 19-years old. Everyone agrees he’s a very good player.”

With Mbokazi set to be part of the Bafana set-up for the foreseeable future, Broos wants him and the rest of the squad to fight tooth and nail to reach the main event in North America next year — co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

“There’s no better motivation than knowing you could go to the World Cup,” Broos said.

"For some players, if we qualify, it could be the first and last time they play there. Qualifying for the World Cup is extremely difficult, especially here in Africa.

“You have to fight for every game. So don’t think Friday’s match against Lesotho will be easy, just by looking at the rankings and saying ‘who’s Lesotho?’

"Every game is difficult.”

Granted, Likuena may prove stubborn, but Bafana’s true test will come against Nigeria, with whom their rivalry runs deep. Yet with the Super Eagles struggling — sitting fourth in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa — Broos is not overly concerned.

“They don’t like playing against us because they know we’ve become a better team,” he said.

“It’s up to us to take advantage of that, and not start by being afraid of Nigeria. Suddenly, why? I don’t see any reason.”

With Mbokazi expected to start in defence in both qualifiers, Broos will be backing his teenage star to showcase the qualities that have made him one of the country’s most talked-about players, and to help push Bafana closer to the promised land — the World Cup — a stage for which he seems destined.