‘I Tell Myself, I Must Die On the Pitch’

Mbekezeli Mbokazi's heroic Man of the Match performance against Nigeria was a testament to his unwavering commitment to Bafana Bafana. He has explained how he was prepared to die on the field to help his side come out victorious.

The 19-year-old defender's standout display was a key factor in the team's 1-1 draw, a result that boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes.

In only his third senior appearance, Mbokazi was a force to be reckoned with, delivering an exceptional performance at Free State Stadium. He expertly completed six clearances and, in a crucial moment, made a vital block to stop Ademola Lookman from scoring in the game's final seconds.

After the match, Mbokazi spoke with SuperSport TV, where he accepted his Man of the Match award. He shared his mindset during the game, stating that he “was prepared to die on the pitch.”

This bold declaration, along with his admission that he would've accepted a red card to protect his team's goal, highlights the immense passion and dedication that fueled his performance. It’s this kind of fearless resolve that sets exceptional players apart.

‘I FEEL PLEASED ABOUT THE WAY I PLAYED’

“I feel pleased about the way that I played because playing with older players made everything easier; they have experience,” said Mbokazi.

“It was my first time playing such a tough match, but the way they (older players) spoke with me gave me confidence in myself.

“Today, when I stepped on the pitch, I told myself that I’d rather get a red card. That’s what I normally tell myself, that ‘let me just go and die on the pitch'. There’s nothing else.

“The coach started me because he trusts me, so if I don’t trust myself, then nothing will go forward. So, let me trust myself and fight for what I want.

“I’m as happy as the supporters are because this is a surprise for me as well. I only have two matches here in the national team, this is the third one, so to be part of the team that is taking us to the World Cup, I'm very happy and want to say thank you to all the supporters. When they are with us, everything becomes easier.”