Hugo Broos Names Bafana Bafana Star Who Can Have a Very Big Career After Performance Against Egypt
- Hugo Broos has pointed out the Bafana Bafana star he thinks would have a great career after his performance against Egypt
- The Bafana Bafana head coach believes the South African international is destined for greater things in his football career
- The Belgian tactician's opinion sparked different reactions from several South African football fans on social media
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s showing against Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has reinforced his earlier views on the defender’s decision to join Major League Soccer.
The highly rated 20-year-old, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most promising young defenders, recently completed a lucrative $3 million move to Chicago Fire from Orlando Pirates, where he collected three major trophies after breaking into the senior side.
Broos indicated that the decision to relocate to the United States may not have been the best step for the player’s career, implying that the move was largely influenced by financial considerations pushed by his agent.
The remarks, which sparked controversy, came during his first press conference at the start of the AFCON camp earlier this month and also saw the Belgian coach criticise the player’s professionalism after he reported late to camp following the Buccaneers’ Carling Knockout Cup triumph.
Broos on Mbokazi's performance vs Egypt
Broos acknowledged that his earlier comments had upset some people, but said the performance against Egypt justified his stance. Speaking to iDiski Times, he explained that the player was his Man of the Match, praising the authority and composure he showed throughout the game, particularly after Broos had publicly questioned his professionalism.
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The coach highlighted a key moment from the second half, recalling a long ball played toward Mohamed Salah. Mbokazi stepped into the challenge decisively, leaving the Egyptian forward with no opportunity, a moment Broos said perfectly illustrated the defender’s quality.
Broos added that this was precisely why he would be furious if Mbokazi were to derail his own progress, stressing that the youngster has the potential to go on and build an exceptional career.
Mbokazi completed both matches for Bafana Bafana at the 2025 AFCON, featuring for the entire duration in the 2–1 victory against Angola and the narrow 1–0 defeat to Egypt in their Group B fixtures.
Fans shared their thoughts on Broos' reservations about Mbokazi's football career after his performance against Egypt.
Siyabonga Hlafa shared:
"TLB will be in EPL or LaLiga or Ligue1 in two years...while some fans here in South Africa are trying to convince us that he's a wrestler."
Masilo Emmanuel Majeane reacted:
"Earning 20 times what He was getting at Pirates. Plus, pirates got what they can buy 2 psl clubs, so it's a great move, just that Madala thinks because his criticism was right against Chiefs, every time He will be all right."
Coreen Khethiwe Sikhakhane commented:
"Broos really cares about TLB and his career development."
Bongani Mgubela said:
"I'm also of the view that TLB is too good to play in that league. But then again, money talks in football."
King Cirha Wamasana wrote:
"Mbule is not performing well at all, he is not serious at all bafana no Mokwana..Rele Mofokeng and Makgopa should start the game tomorrow. TLB Mbokazi will join the big teams in the EPL and La Liga after the World Cup."
Bafana legends blast ref on VAR calls
Briefly News also reported that two Bafana Bafana legends hit out at the referee in charge of South Africa's match against Egypt at the ongoing 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
The Pharaohs were awarded a controversial penalty while Bafana Bafana were denied theirs very late in the match.
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Source: Briefly News
