Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was heavily applauded by South African fans following his impressive display against Nigeria on Tuesday.
Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein in a FIFA World Cup qualifier match but it was the 19-year-old defender who stole the show. Against imposing Super Eagles defenders, the Pirates captain held his own and was awarded Man of the Match.
A point sees South Africa open a six point gap in Group C and are on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup.
Fans praise Mbokazi after his Bafana Bafana performance
Mbokazi pocketed Nigerian superstar Ademola Lookman for the entire 90 minutes to keep Bafana on track to qualify for next year’s showpiece.
“I’m not exaggerating here, and honestly this isn’t hyperbole… But Mbekezeli Mbokazi could be one of the best defenders I’ve seen South Africa produce.
Just 19. Pirates have some player on their hands,” @YesWeCrann tweeted.
“Mbekezeli Mbokazi[LCB] is destined for the best leagues in the world. At 19, he is both raw and almost complete! He is unbelievable at the back!” South Africa should be proud to have unearthed such a beast,” @_izodlalaiTv tweeted.
“Mbokazi really plays for us man. I mean we don’t deserve such happiness, and on Saturday he’s gonna be lifting the MTN8 at a very young age as a captain,” @Dunfgy tweeted.
Will Mbokazi stay in South Africa next year?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
