Age still on my side – Mbokazi responds to critics led by Bafana coach Broos

Bafana Bafana international Mbekezeli Mbokazi shocked Mzansi when he accepted to leave Orlando Pirates for the Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire late last year.

The youngster made a name for himself at the Sea Robbers after making his debut in competitive football in March, the same year, under the then Soweto giants coach Jose Riveiro. He went on to help the club win their fourth MTN8 and the Carling Knockout.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos is among those who felt the move to America was not ideal for the 20-year-old. The 73-year-old tactician felt TLB had what it takes to play for top teams in Europe as opposed to playing in the MLS.

However, Mbokazi is taking the move as a challenge and a step towards greater heights. He has refuted claims that he made a wrong move before stating he has time to achieve other ambitions.

I don’t think there is a problem

“I think it becomes difficult when you hear how people speak where I come from,” the centre-back conceded in his interview with the South African Football Journalist Association (SAFJA).

“But what people must learn or know is that it’s not that easy to go to highest level than where I am now.

“What I can say is, I’m still young and I’m growing. Everything will happen when the time is right,” Mbokazi added.

When time comes, I will go

Mbokazi has further admitted he will be aiming at playing elsewhere in the future, but he is not rushing to achieve the same.

“The level that I want to reach later, I know I’ll reach it. The age is still on my side, I won’t rush to do things, wanting to jump to ‘big moves’ just because people want that. Yes, people wish us well but we won’t rush to get, we need to start somewhere first,” TLB continued.

“Where I am right now, I feel it’s good. And I don’t think there’s a problem that I’m here because I’m enjoying. 

“It’s lessons and growth, so I’m happy that I started here. When the time has come for me to go where I wanna be, I’ll go, I won’t rush to get there. I’m also thankful for the opportunity, so that I can be able to reach the level that people want me to reach,” Mbokazi concluded.