“He’s A Top Player!” John Terry Stuns Fans With Massive Prediction For Mbokazi

Former England captain John Terry believes Mbekezeli Mbokazi has the potential to become one of football’s biggest defensive stars and says he is eager to see how the youngster performs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Huge expectations rest on Mbokazi’s shoulders as Bafana Bafana prepare to open their World Cup campaign against tournament co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday.

Since his January transfer from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire, the 20-year-old center-back has taken his game to another level. Mbokazi has quickly built a reputation for high-stakes defending—including several breathtaking, goal-line clearances—and has already racked up 14 appearances across all competitions for the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit.

His stellar performances earned him the most fan votes of any player in the league, making him the first South African selected for the prestigious MLS All-Star Game since Doctor Khumalo achieved the feat with the Columbus Crew exactly 30 years ago in 1996.

Mbokazi will line up alongside the likes of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi of Inter Miami and LA Galaxy’s Son Heung-min. The MLS All-Stars are set to take on a powerhouse squad from Mexico’s Liga MX on Wednesday, 29 July, at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Legendary Chelsea defender John Terry has taken notice of the youngster’s rapid rise.

“I think he is a top player,” said Terry in an interview organised by SuperSport TV for the media on Wednesday.

“I think he’s actually got the potential to be one of the big stars among the defenders and young players coming through, and that can be really positive for the team.

“I really like him. I like his attitude and the mentality side of things that I see. So I’m excited to see him against some bigger and better opposition throughout this tournament.”

While Terry admitted he has not watched many of Bafana Bafana’s recent matches, he noted that finishing ahead of regional heavyweights Nigeria in the qualifiers is proof that Hugo Broos’ side cannot be underestimated.

“To be honest, I haven’t seen much of the qualifiers,” said Terry, who represented England at the 2006 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, where the Three Lions were eliminated in the quarter-finals and Round of 16 respectively.

“But I think to take out Nigeria is a big statement in itself. In a one-off game, anything can happen. But throughout the group stages, you’ve got to take confidence from beating Nigeria and progressing.

“I think a lot of the players in your squad don’t have much exposure or experience at a World Cup, and that can actually be a good thing. It can be a positive because the older players carry scars, nerves and memories of being knocked out of these competitions.

“You guys are coming in with no expectations and an opportunity to showcase what you can do as individuals, potentially earning moves to European clubs or wherever that may be. It’s a chance to put yourselves on a big stage.”

In addition to Mexico, Bafana Bafana will face the Czech Republic and South Korea in a highly competitive Group A.

“It is a group that I look at and say, ‘Okay, Mexico are a good side, but the Czechs are a good side and perhaps beatable. South Korea also presents an opportunity to secure third place and then hope for the best from there,'” added Terry, who predicted a draw for Bafana Bafana against Mexico.

“So I think for a lot of these African nations, this is a great opportunity. It’s a chance for the players to put themselves in the shop window and show what they can do.”