Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo waxes lyrical about young defender - 'That kind of a player is very rare to find'

Mbekezeli Mbokazi was named the Man of the Match following Bafana Bafana's 1-1 draw with Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Free State Stadium on Tuesday.

It was a match in which the 19-year-old came up against the likes of Ademola Lookman and Cyriel Dessers but contained them with the aplomb of a veteran.

Bafana great Doctor Khumalo has joined the growing number of Mbokazi's admirers. 

“You look at Mbokazi, he has never been on the field with a weaker mind, with a weaker heart. He will always strive to be the winner. And that kind of a player is very rare to find,” Khumalo said as per Soccer Laduma.  
“Mbokazi is not just an ordinary player, but what he brings on the day is hard work. And this is what makes him one of the best central defenders we have. Yes, I understand experienced players, we’re playing against them, but what I like about him is his composure and being bold enough to challenge.
“He’s played better strikers in the PSL and he silenced them, so why can’t he do it? When are we going to realise that he can do it if you don’t throw him into the deep end?” asked the Kaizer Chiefs legend.
“Let’s not shy away from giving them the platform, these young boys, and for them to be able to see whether they’re progressing or not. Because remember, the game is the teacher. If we keep on talking like this, not seeing them doing it on the field, we can’t learn anything from them.”

The recent World Cup qualifiers sensationally catapulted an already impressive Mbokazi into international football stardom.

Facing established Nigeria stars was the ultimate test he needed to prove that he is a player ready for bigger challenges.

Even Bafana coach Hugo Broos, known for discouraging a number of South African players from quickly moving overseas, was left lavishing Mbokazi with praise and insisting that he is already ripe to play in Europe. 

It will be interesting to see if Mbokazi will be able to remain as a Bafana starter even in the event that Nkosinathi Sibisi, Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala return to the national team.

Pirates centre-backs Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane are back at full training after long-term injuries and for them to be selected ahead of Mbokazi might be difficult while the youngster is putting in five star performances for club and country.