Former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has opened up about the criticism he has come across following his move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, where he joined Chicago Fire.
The 20-year-old spent less than 12 months with the Buccaneers’ senior team before impressing enough to secure a move abroad. During that time, he also cemented his place in the Bafana Bafana squad, earning regular call-ups and establishing himself as one of the country’s promising young defenders.
However, his move to the US has been criticised by many, including Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who believes Mbokazi deserved a transfer to a stronger and more competitive league in Europe.
Mbokazi admitted that it was difficult when he heard people questioning the move.
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The defender emphasised that supporters need to understand that it is not always easy “jump straight into the big moves” without taking gradual steps in their career.
“I think it becomes difficult when you hear how people speak where I come from,” said Mbokazi during the interview with South African Football Journalist Association (SAFJA).
“But what people must learn or know is that it’s not that easy to go to highest level than where I am now.
“What I can say is, I’m still young and I’m growing. Everything will happen when the time is right.
“The level that I want to reach later, I know I’ll reach it. The age is still on my side, I won’t rush to do things, wanting to jump to ‘big moves’ just because people want that. Yes, people wish us well but we won’t rush to get, we need to start somewhere first.
“Where I am right now, I feel it’s good. And I don’t think there’s a problem that I’m here because I’m enjoying.
“It’s lessons and growth, so I’m happy that I started here. When the time has come for me to go where I wanna be, I’ll go, I won’t rush to get there.
“I’m also thankful for the opportunity, so that I can be able to reach the level that people want me to reach.”
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