Hugo Broos lavishes Mbekezeli Mbokazi with praise, tips Orlando Pirates star 'to go to Europe' after standout performance for Bafana Bafana in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria - 'It is like he has 10 years experience at this level'

Mbekezeli Mbokazi was named as the Man of the Match after Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Free State Stadium on Tuesday.

The Orlando Pirates centre-back was steely at facing seasoned forwards like Ademola Lookman and Cyriel Dessers.

That blew away South Africa coach Hugo Broos who feels the teenager is ripe to play in Europe. 

“Mbokazi… this guy has to go to Europe, he’s 19-years-old, you see the way he is playing, it’s like he has 10 years experience at this level, it’s his second, third game with the national team – third game! You see how he’s playing,” Broos said as per iDiski Times. 
“So let’s hope that some players can do the step next here [move to Europe] it will be very good for South African football really.”

Mbokazi's rise has been rapid and has already turned himself into an important player for both Pirates and Bafana.

This is someone who made his professional debut in March 2025 and played his first Bafana game three months later before the latest national team exploits.

His sensational progress has seen him being one of the Pirates captains and has worn the armband in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki.

By standing tall to frustrate big-name Nigeria players, Mbokazi proved he can be a competitive footballer in more established leagues in Europe. 

As it stands, Mbokazi has seriously raised his hand to be part of the Bafana squad set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

But for now the teenager's focus is on lifting his first ever trophy with Pirates when they take on Stellenbosch in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday.