Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was listed among the top 10 U23 defenders during the first round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbokazi, 20, has been one of Bafana’s best players at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with his contributions also alerting international scouts and analysts.
The CIES Football Observatory of the International Centre for Sports Studies analysed players for ground defence, with Mbokazi sitting in fourth place for his performance against Mexico.
The Index is based on “ground duels won in own half compared to team average and success rate; interceptions in own half compared to team average; goals conceded frequency when player on the pitch”.
The Chicago Fire defender won five out of nine ground duels against Mexico, made four clearances, one interception, blocked one shot and made three recoveries.
New Zealand’s Paul Okon tops the ranking, followed by Ghana’s Jonas Adjetey and Spain’s Gavi before Mbokazi appears in fourth.
Full top 10 below:
