Top tactician tells Broos off regarding Mbokazi’s move to MLS: ‘A blessing in disguise’

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is still not convinced that Mbekezeli Mbokazi made the right decision by leaving Orlando Pirates for Chicago Fire.

The 73-year-old insisted recently that the 20-year-old is too good for that league and should have played in Europe since he has everything to deliver.

“I made some people angry a few weeks ago when I said the MLS move is not the best move for him. You saw why, because for me, he was the Man of the Match against Egypt,” Broos said after Mbokazi’s excellent outing despite Bafana Bafana’s loss to the Pharaohs in the Africa Cup of Nations’ Group B outing a couple of days ago.

“One thing I can remember in the second half, there was a long ball from deep to Mo Salah, and Mbokazi gave him no chance at all. That shows his quality, his timing, and his reading of the game. That shows the quality of Mbokazi, and now you can understand why I’ll be very angry if this guy ruins his career,” the Belgian added.

Broos told off

However, Philadelphia Union coach Bradley Carnell has explained why Mbokazi will be a fit-in in the MLS.

“In the next six months, all focus shifts to America because of the World Cup – and that’s actually a blessing in disguise for him, especially that he will be playing here with Bafana. Playing for Chicago raises his profile and will also make him more visible at such a platform. Looking at how he rose, he is going to attract more attention during the World Cup,” he told FARPost.

“Playing in America now could be the perfect prep for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – he’ll get more exposure, experience, and might just level up big time. He is destined for Europe, so the MLS may just be a stepping stone for him.

“So, it’ll be interesting to see how well Mbokazi does in the league. Mbokazi was automatically selected over Makhanya, and Makhanya is doing very well. Now we can see both players playing in the same league, how they do, you know. Oh, he must pack his winter jacket; it’s very cold in Chicago. I think he has the quality,” the former Kaizer Chiefs palyer concluded.