{"id":28262,"date":"2025-09-10T13:51:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T11:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=28262"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:52:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:52:41","slug":"young-defender-mbekezeli-mbokazi-shines-for-bafana-bafana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/young-defender-mbekezeli-mbokazi-shines-for-bafana-bafana\/","title":{"rendered":"Mbekezeli Mbokazi Shines as Bafana Bafana\u2019s Next Star Poised for Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the 19-year-old defender from Orlando Pirates, is quickly emerging as one of South Africa\u2019s brightest football talents. His recent performances for Bafana Bafana have earned attention, with coach Hugo Broos urging him to take his career to Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After rapidly rising through the ranks at Pirates, Mbokazi has secured a regular spot in the first team. His impressive form also earned him three senior international caps for Bafana Bafana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/BafanaBafana\/status\/1965496391998062659\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mbekezeli-mbokazi-s-rise-at-orlando-pirates\">Mbekezeli Mbokazi\u2019s Rise at Orlando Pirates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mbokazi\u2019s journey to prominence has been remarkable. He started with the Pirates&#8217; DStv Diski Challenge squad before quickly earning a place in the senior team. His strong performances on the pitch saw him named vice-captain, a clear indication of his leadership and maturity at such a young age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His international debut was a turning point, where he showcased his defensive strength for Bafana Bafana. Now, Mbokazi is firmly established as a key player for both Pirates and the national team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ssfootball\/status\/1965738906726330537?s=46\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-318216384\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-standout-performance-against-nigeria\">A Standout Performance Against Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mbokazi\u2019s performance in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers further cemented his reputation. Partnering Siyabonga Ngezana in central defence, he earned the Man of the Match award for his composed and commanding display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Free State Stadium crowd recognised his efforts with a standing ovation, singing his praises and even presenting him with flowers\u2014a memorable moment for the young defender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ssfootball\/status\/1965470847822430648?s=46\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-broos-call-for-a-european-move\">Broos\u2019 Call for a European Move<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made it clear that Mbokazi should aim higher. He believes the teenager should make the move to Europe sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Broos praised Mbokazi\u2019s maturity, saying, \u201cMbokazi\u2026 this guy has to go to Europe, he\u2019s 19-years-old, you see the way he is playing, it\u2019s like he has 10 years\u2019 experience at this level.\u201d Broos hopes other South African players will follow Mbokazi\u2019s lead and push for European moves, which he believes will benefit South African football in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/atnyuswa\/status\/1965491990042468557?s=46\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1839580452\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mbokazi-s-current-form\">Mbokazi\u2019s Current Form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This season, Mbokazi has featured in eight games for Orlando Pirates. His defensive skills continue to shine, and he has played a pivotal role in securing key results for the team. His performances in the World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho reflect his growing importance to the national team, and fans are eager to see more from him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-next-for-mbokazi\">What\u2019s Next for Mbokazi?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If Broos\u2019 call is heeded, Mbokazi could soon join the ranks of South African players who have made their mark in Europe. For now, he remains a key player for both Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana. His rapid rise is a testament to his talent, determination, and work ethic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Check also: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/bafana-bafanas-world-cup-dream-still-alive\/\">Bafana Bafana\u2019s<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/bafana-bafanas-world-cup-dream-still-alive\/\">World Cup Dream Still Alive After 1-1 Draw with Nigeria<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mbokazi\u2019s future is undeniably bright. Whether he moves to Europe soon or continues to develop with Pirates, there\u2019s no question about his potential. Do you think Mbokazi is ready for a European move? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Orlando Pirates&#8217; young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi shines for Bafana Bafana, with coach Hugo Broos urging him to make a European move sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":28269,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Orlando Pirates' young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi shines for Bafana Bafana, with coach Hugo Broos urging him to make a European move sooner rather than later.","footnotes":""},"categories":[59,56,64],"tags":[286,11118,11108],"class_list":{"0":"post-28262","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-soccer","8":"category-sports","9":"category-sports-news","10":"tag-bafana-bafana","11":"tag-latest-football-news","12":"tag-latest-sports-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28262","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28262"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28262\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28274,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28262\/revisions\/28274"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28262"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28262"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}