Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has shared his thoughts on the emergence of Orlando Pirates starlet Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
The 19-year-old Mbokazi burst onto the senior scene for the club on March 5, making his debut against Chippa United in a league match. His consistently solid performances quickly earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup across all competitions.
Mbokazi's impressive displays have secured him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad that will play international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique. The young defender made 18 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Broos says what he’s noted in Mbokazi’s game is that he’s mature. He also mentioned a handful of qualities that he possesses.
BROOS ON MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI – ‘HIS GAME IS VERY MATURE’
“I think what I saw from Mbokazi was, for me, his game is very mature, he takes good decisions and he's a good defender – he's not the tallest but he wins aerial duels,” said Broos.
“He's 1.80m, I think, but he doesn't lose many duels, he has good [positioning] and reading the attack, so yeah, he's a good defender.”
The 19-year-old missed out on potentially winning the U20 Africa Cup of Nations with his teammates in Egypt last month, after Pirates chose not to release him for the competition. Broos commented on this, saying it was indeed a regrettable missed opportunity for the young player.
“No, it would have been better for him to play AFCON for his development and gaining international experience,”
“Ok, Pirates will say he has international experience in the Champions League and they are right, but they could have given him the opportunity because they have players who can replace him in the team.
“And ok, Pirates could still have been champions in that moment, but I think to become champions was very difficult, so you could have then given a chance to a player to play at AFCON.”
