Hugo Broos Tips Mbekezeli Mbokazi For European Football Future

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes South Africa’s latest teenage star, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, is destined for the European stage. The 19-year-old Orlando Pirates defender turned heads on Tuesday night after being named man of the match in only his third senior appearance during Bafana’s 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Nigeria.

A Rising Star For South Africa

Mbokazi has quickly gone from a promising youngster at Pirates to one of the brightest talents in Hugo Broos’s squad. At just 19, he showed composure beyond his years against a formidable Nigerian side, drawing high praise from the Belgian coach.

“Look at a guy like Mbokazi,” Broos said. “The way he plays is like he already has 10 years of experience. It was only his third game, and you saw how he performed.”

Broos Calls For European Opportunities

For Broos, Mbokazi represents a new generation of South African talent ready to test themselves abroad. The coach stressed that playing in Europe’s top leagues would not only sharpen individuals like Mbokazi but also strengthen Bafana Bafana as a whole.

“If players go to Europe, it will be good for the national team and for South African football,” Broos explained. “They will play at a higher level than our PSL, and they will become better. I hope some can take that step next season.”

Building A Stronger Bafana Squad

Tuesday’s performance also highlighted Bafana’s growing squad depth. Despite missing senior players like Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana and Nkosinathi Sibisi, the team held their own against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Broos pointed out that while Nigerian fans lamented the absence of striker Victor Osimhen, Bafana had to cope without six key figures. “We don’t complain,” he said. “We’ve built a team where, if someone is out, another player is ready to step in. That makes us strong.”

Social Media Reaction

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to celebrate Mbokazi’s standout display. Many compared his calmness on the ball to some of South Africa’s legendary defenders, while others called him a “future Bafana captain.” Pirates supporters, meanwhile, proudly reminded rivals that their club continues to produce stars for the national team.

Why This Matters For South African Football

South Africa has often struggled to consistently export talent to Europe, with many promising players peaking in the PSL. Broos’s public endorsement of Mbokazi sends a powerful message that young players need to take bold steps abroad to elevate both their careers and the national team.

If Mbokazi makes the move, he could follow in the footsteps of legends like Lucas Radebe and Benni McCarthy, who shone on the European stage and lifted Bafana with their experience.

Source:SABC Sport 

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