Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos lavishes Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi with praise and tips the youngster for European move - 'The four years I have been here, I never saw a defender like this'

Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro lost Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Sesane, and Innocent Maela to injuries and other factors in the critical time of the season.

He risked it all by introducing the untested teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi and threw him into deep waters alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi.

The 19-year-old has never looked back since March, cementing his place at the heart of the Sea Robbers' defense.

Currently, he is among the players who are untouchable at the club level.

In the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns players who were preparing for the final of the CAF Champions League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, coach Hugo Broos gave Mbokazi a chance against Tanzania and Mozambique in friendly matches.

Once again, the teenager rose for the occasion, playing without fear as the team drew 0-0 with Taifa Stars and beat Mozambique 2-0.

The centre-back is in the squad to play Lesotho and Nigeria, respectively, in the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Broos is confident the youngster will deliver and is even destined for bigger things. 

“This is a player who I didn’t see that much, but from the beginning, he showed a very mature attitude,” he said while unveiling his squad on Thursday.

“He’s confident, he’s strong, he has a good technique. He plays without fear, and this is special for a young player, I was curious when he came with us in March.

 You see him playing with the team those friendly games, I was assured when I saw him playing," Broos added.

"This was for me the proof that he’s a very good player, a very good defender, and a very young one.

“So I never doubt one second when I made the list not to take him. He is really, really good and I think it’s a long time ago what I can say, because I don’t know the history of South African football, but in the four years I’ve been here, I never saw a defender like this and so young. 

"So I’m very happy with him," he added.

The Belgian believes Mbokazi has what it takes to deliver abroad.

"I said for [Relebohile Mofokeng] also last year, I think it’s good for him to stay another year normally, Pirates will play Champions League,” Broos continued.

“He’s playing in a good team, they will play, I hope, and there will be more a good battle to be champion between Sundowns there and maybe Chiefs.

“And it will be good for him but if he goes on like this, this is a guy that has to go to Europe, certainly, with the skills he has, with the quality he has. He’s a nice guy, is very humble in the group.

“Yeah, this is a guy who has to go to Europe next year, but the best thing for him is to stay now and just make performance, like he did till now," he concluded.

This is the biggest platform, at the international level, for Mbokazi to underline his worth and quality not only for Mzansi but the world at large.

Chances are high that Broos will give him a chance; now imagine the teenager against the likes of Nigeria's super striker Victor Osimhen.