He has to go to Europe, says Broos after hailing rising defender Mbokazi

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made a bold call on teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, insisting the Orlando Pirates youngster must take his career to Europe sooner rather than later.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since stepping up from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge squad last season. Within months, he established himself as a first-team regular and earned three senior international caps for Bafana.

Mbokazi was part of the Amajita side that won the Cosafa U20 Championship, securing qualification for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, his growing role at Pirates, which includes him being vice captain kept him out of the continental tournament, and now he finds himself a fixture at senior level.

His commanding display in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, where he partnered Siyabonga Ngezana at the heart of defence, underlined his credentials.

TLB… our man of the match.. pic.twitter.com/C4u1NlwSyS

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 9, 2025

He walked away with the Man of the Match award, sparking fresh debate on whether he should still be considered for the U20 World Cup squad under Raymond Mdaka.

Broos, however, sees a bigger stage for the teenager.

“Mbokazi… this guy has to go to Europe, he’s 19-years-old, you see the way he is playing, it’s like he has 10 years experience at this level, it’s his second, third game with the national team – third game! You see how he’s playing,” Broos said.

“So let’s hope that some players can do the step next here [move to Europe] it will be very good for South African football really.”

Mbokazi has already clocked up eight appearances for Pirates this season and started both recent qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho.

If Broos gets his wish, Europe could soon come calling for one of South Africa’s brightest defensive prospects.