At just 20 years old, Mbekezeli Mbokazi is proving that major
tournaments elevate his game. His composed displays for South Africa at the
Africa Cup of Nations have justified the faith placed in him by national
team coach Hugo Broos and his club, Orlando Pirates—and have paved his way
to a move with MLS side Chicago Fire.
Mbokazi has started all three of Bafana Bafana’s group matches, growing in
confidence and influence with each performance. His statistics are
exceptional: he leads the entire tournament in progressive passes, with 44,
showcasing an ability to launch attacks from defence, not just halt them.
His defensive work has been equally commanding. Ranked in the top five for
defensive duel success rate, he has won a remarkable 86.6% of his
challenges. Whether closing down spaces or tackling directly, he plays with
a maturity that belies his age.
Notably, Mbokazi has maintained impeccable discipline, avoiding any yellow
cards despite the high stakes. Opponents have also struggled to get past
him—he’s been dribbled past only once in the competition.
This combination of poise, tenacity, and tactical intelligence has made him
a trusted figure for Broos and a future cornerstone for Orlando Pirates.
Rather than simply enduring his first AFCON, Mbokazi is imposing himself on
it. If these early showings are any indication, the brightest lights are
where he thrives.
