Broos Believes Mbokazi Is Destined For Europe

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed his admiration for Orlando Pirates’ talented young defender, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, stating he has no doubts about his abilities and believes he’s destined to play in Europe.

Broos Praises Mbokazi’s Maturity and Skill

Broos spoke highly of the 19-year-old, who was included in the squad on Thursday for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

He described Mbokazi as a confident, strong player with good technique who plays without fear—a rare quality in a young player.

Mbokazi, a powerful defender from rural KwaZulu-Natal, is currently serving as the acting captain for the Pirates in the absence of the injured Nkosinathi Sibisi.

He recently skippered the team to a victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final.

“This is a player that I didn’t see that much. But from the beginning, he showed me a very mature attitude,” Broos said with the SABC Sport on Thursday.

“He’s confident, he’s strong. He has a good technique. He plays without fear. And this is special for a young player; I was curious when he came with us in March. 

“You see him playing with the team, in those friendly games. 
 

“I was assured that I saw him playing, it was for me proof that he’s a very good player, a very good defender, and a very young one.”

Broos, who first called up Mbokazi for friendly matches in June, added that he was confident in the defender’s abilities from the moment he saw him play. “I never doubted for a second when I made the list,” he stated, adding that in his four years in South Africa, he has not seen a young defender with such talent.

A Year to Grow Before Europe

Despite his high praise, Broos advised Mbokazi to spend another season with Orlando Pirates to continue his development.

He believes that playing in the CAF Champions League and competing for the league title against teams like Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs would be beneficial for his growth.

Broos, who gave similar advice to Relebohile Mofokeng last year, said that if Mbokazi continues to perform at this level, a move to Europe is inevitable.

“I think when I said for Rele last year, I think it’s good for him to stay another year,” said Broos of Mbokazi, who was named Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player last season. 

“Normally Pirates will play in the CAF Champions League, he’s playing in a good team, they will play, I hope, and there will be more a good battle to be champion between Mamelodi Sundowns and maybe Kaizer Chiefs, and it will be good for him. 
 

“But if he goes on like this, this is a guy that has to go to Europe. Certainly, with a bit the skills he has, with the quality, he has, for sure.  

“He’s a nice guy, he’s very humble in the group. Yeah, this is the guy who wants to go to next year to Europe, but the best thing for him is to stay now and just make pefformances like he did now.”