South Africa vs Cameroon: ‘I haven’t seen a 20-year-old like Mbokazi in Europe!’

Bafana Bafana youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been lauded for his rare talent that has seen his career move rapidly.

The 20-year-old was introduced to top-tier football in March 2025, but has since made his name in Mzansi football. He recently joined the Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire from Orlando Pirates, and is currently the main man at the heart of South Africa in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

On Sunday, January 4, Mbokazi is expected to partner Siyabonga Ngezana in the Round of 16 outing against Cameroon, a match Hugo Broos’ men are seen as favourites owing to the previous record between the sides.

Mbokazi is among the players who have played every minute as Bafana Bafana finished second in Group B, behind Egypt, who managed to collect seven points.

The confidence he has is something amazing

Mzansi midfielder Sphephelo Sithole has lauded the 20-year-old for what he has achieved despite his tender age. The CD Tondela player insists he has never seen such a talented 20-year-old in Europe, full of confidence and effective on the pitch.

“I think about ‘Mbeki,’ and I believe everyone can see that he is a good defender for his age, you know,” Sithole said during an interview with the media ahead of the Sunday game against the Indomitable Lions.

“Even I, myself, played in Europe for the past eight years, and I can say that I haven’t seen what I saw in [Mbokazi] from a 20-year-old defender.

“For his age, the way he is performing right now and the confidence he has is something amazing. We know that at the back, sometimes, maybe out of 10 duels, he would win nine of those,” he concluded.