South African Legend Names Bafana Bafana Star the Best in His Position at 2026 FIFA World Cup

• Former Bafana Bafana star Delron Buckley praised Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi after their standout World Cup performances
• Buckley described Mbokazi, 20, as the best defender at the entire tournament after South Africa's run ended in the Round of 32
• Bafana Bafana were eliminated by Canada in a 1-0 defeat settled by a late goal deep into added time on Sunday at the Los Angeles Stadium

Former Bafana Bafana winger Delron Buckley has named 20-year-old centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi as the standout defender of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following South Africa's impressive but ultimately heartbreaking tournament exit at the hands of Canada.

Bafana were eliminated on Sunday, June 28, 2026, after Canada scored the only goal of the match in the Round of 32, deep into the referee's added time, denying South Africa the opportunity to push the contest into extra time and potentially penalties.

Bafana Bafana surpass all expectations

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South Africa exceeded widespread expectations heading into the expanded 48-team competition. Rather than scraping through as one of the better third-placed finishers, Bafana finished second in their group to qualify automatically for the knockout stage, a result few had anticipated.

Bafana Bafana lost their first match against Mexico, and went on to play out a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in their second group game. Hugo Broos' side secured a place in the Round of 32 after a resounding performance against South Korea, which saw them win 1-0.

Buckley, reflecting on the campaign, singled out two players as emblematic of the tournament's promise for the next generation of South African football.

Buckley's Verdict on Mofokeng and Mbokazi

Winger Relebohile Mofokeng, who has already completed a move to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, drew considerable praise from Buckley, though the former international felt the young attacker deserved more playing time than he received.

"It is no coincidence that reports link him to a move to Belgium. This is the right step for his development. He impressed at the World Cup, though I felt he could have been given more minutes," Buckley told SportsBoom.co.za.

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Buckley reserved his most emphatic words for Mbokazi, the MLS-based centre-back who looked composed and commanding against elite international opposition throughout the tournament.

"There has been a lot said about Mbokazi, and for me, he was by far the best defender at the World Cup," Buckley said.

The 20-year-old has already drawn attention as a future captain of the national side, with his physical presence and reading of the game drawing comparisons to more established defenders on the world stage.

Bafana's run, despite ending in disappointment, has positioned several players for potential moves to top European clubs in the months ahead.

Bafana Bafana star ranked among the best

Briefly News earlier reported that a Bafana Bafana star was ranked among the best performers at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup despite South Africa's poor performance.

The South African international has showcased his football talent on the global stage, even as the team struggled in the group stage.

Source: Briefly News