Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender Tsepo Masilela has tipped breakout star Mbekezeli Mbokazi for a massive move to Europe following South Africa’s valiant FIFA World Cup run.
Despite Bafana Bafana’s heartbreaking exit in the Round of 32, the Orlando Pirates defender emerged as the ultimate silver lining, earning widespread acclaim as the nation’s standout performer on the world stage.
‘The Complete Package’
Speaking to SoccerBeat, Masilela couldn’t hold back his praise for the current generation of South African defenders, noting that the national team’s backline is in incredibly safe hands with the likes of Ndamane, Olwethu, and Okon driving fierce competition.
However, it was Mbokazi who truly stole the show for the football legend.
“When you are talking about Mbokazi, for me, he is the complete package,” Masilela said. “He can play diagonal passes, split the lines, strike the ball, and he’s brave. He has a big heart.”
A Born Winner
Mbokazi’s elite mentality was on full display during Bafana’s high-stakes clashes. Masilela pointed to the defender’s sheer determination in the dying minutes of their final match as proof of his world-class character.
“Towards the dying minutes, he decided, ‘Let me go and play up front.’ He almost created a goal there. It shows that he is a winner. He demands that everyone around him pushes and raises their level.”
Despite not being the tallest center-back on the pitch, Mbokazi consistently shut down physically imposing international strikers throughout the tournament. It’s this exact grit and tactical versatility that has Masilela convinced the Buccaneers star is destined for one of the world’s top leagues.
