Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has singled out Orlando Pirates\u2019 young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi as a player destined for greatness, praising his maturity, composure, and leadership at just 19 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mbokazi initially joined Pirates as a temporary solution to cover injuries in the central defence last season. However, he quickly seized the opportunity, becoming a key figure in the squad and earning the captain\u2019s armband this season. His performances have drawn widespread acclaim, culminating in his inclusion in Broos\u2019 squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein next week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Broos acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding Mbokazi\u2019s call-up. The teenager will miss the South Africa U20 camp ahead of their World Cup campaign in Chile later this month. While playing at a global youth tournament is a rare opportunity, Broos who himself played in a World Cup at 17 believes the defender\u2019s senior national team experience is invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cMbokazi plays like he\u2019s been in the top flight for five years,\u201d Broos said following the squad announcement. \u201cHe\u2019s confident, strong, and a very good defender, even against top-quality players. Against Sundowns, he marked Iqraam Rayners perfectly he pushed him aside with strength and composure. For a 19-year-old, that\u2019s something very special.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n