New Bafana Bafana defender Tylon Smith has hailed his national teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi for his growth in the game.
The two youngsters featured for the national U20 side that won the U20 COSAFA Cup in 2024 helping the side qualify for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations that South Africa went on to win to qualify for the World Cup. Now the two youngsters have reunited in the senior national team having been selected in Bafana’s AFCON squad in Morocco this month.
Smith who has since joined English Championship side Queens Park Rangers spoke to iDiski Times senior journalist Lorenz Köhler about Mbokazi’s talent and how he made his job easier in their defensive partnership.
“Yeah, Beki… such a talented footballer,” Smith told iDiski Times.
“He’s got so much experience now, he’s grown as a player, and to play with him it’s good. I said this before; he makes your job easier. I love his personality as well; he’s a hard worker on and off the field. He’s just an amazing human being. So, I guess to play with him again will be nice. We have a good understanding, so yeah.”
The former Stellenbosch FC player also shared how he is settling in at QPR saying he has support from his coaches and he is working hard to earn his place in the team.
“I’m positive about my development here; some great coaches are helping me here now and improving me as a player where it’s needed,” added Smith.
“I’m really grateful for that, and I’m doing really good here, working really hard every single day on training. Positive words from the coach and now I just have to keep on working, get my head down and fight for my place.
“So, everything has been going good at QPR, yes.”
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