BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos has assured to help defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi better manage his temper as the 20-year-old is set to miss the 2026 World Cup opener due to suspension.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
South Africa national football team head coach Hugo Broos has once again underlined his belief in rising defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, while cautioning that the youngster must improve his temperament to fulfil his potential at international level.
Mbokazi marked his return to the national setup with a standout moment, scoring a stunning goal in Bafana Bafana’s defeat to Panama in their international friendly in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old’s performance was another reminder of his growing reputation, particularly following his move to Chicago Fire FC earlier this year.
Since joining the Major League Soccer outfit in January, the former Orlando Pirates centre-back has made an immediate impact, featuring in all five of the club’s matches as they climbed to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
His return to South African soil only added to the narrative, with Mbokazi delivering both defensively and offensively in a spirited display despite the result.
Broos was full of praise for the young defender’s overall ability, highlighting the qualities that have made him a key part of Bafana’s future plans.
“If you talk about Mbokazi I think everybody saw again today he’s a very good defender,” Broos said.
However, the Belgian mentor was equally clear on the areas that still require refinement.
“The only thing with Mboki — and he’s young — is that sometimes he loses temper and he has to be careful with that,” he added.
Broos suggested that Mbokazi’s aggressive edge is not entirely a negative, but rather something that must be managed correctly.
“But I like more someone with the will to fight and has that mentality than a soft guy,” he explained.
“So, he’s a defender I will talk to him about that.”
The coach pointed to moments of nervousness as a trigger for the lapses in discipline, an issue he believes can be corrected with guidance and experience.
“It’s something that he does when he starts to be nervous and then he loses his temper,” Broos said.
“But we will talk to him and he will learn quickly.”
That learning curve will be crucial, particularly with Mbokazi set to miss Bafana’s opening fixture of the upcoming FIFA World Cup due to suspension.
This setback underlines the importance of maintaining composure at the highest level.
The Hluhluwe-born hard man received marching orders against Zimbabwe in the penultimate game of qualifying for violent conduct.
Despite that, there is little doubt that Mbokazi remains a central figure in Broos’ long-term plans.
His blend of physicality, confidence and technical ability continues to set him apart, even at a young age.
For now, the focus will be on refining the finer details of his game.
Because while the talent is clear, Broos’ message is equally firm — to reach the top, Mbokazi must find the balance between aggression and control.