AFCON 2025: Broos can’t stop praising Bafana Bafana’s Mbokazi
Hugo Broos still maintains that Mbokazi made the wrong decision by joining MLS side Chicago Fire before the AFCON tournament.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was full of praise for Mbekezeli Mbokazi after his performance against Egypt on Friday.
While Bafana Bafana lost 1-0 to Egypt, Mbokazi pocketed their star player and captain Mohamed Salah.
And after the game, Broos gave his verdict on the young defender’s performance on the day.
He reiterated that Mbokazi deserves better than to be going to the Major League Soccer (MLS).
Broos was heavily criticised for saying Mbokazi’s move to the US wasn’t the right one, but he feels vindicated as he continues to shine at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
According to Broos, 20-year-old Mbokazi was the man of the match against Egypt as he showed Africa that he is quality.
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“I made some people angry a few weeks ago when I said the MLS move is not the best move for him. You saw why, because for me, he was the man of the match against Egypt,” Broos told reporters.
“One thing I can remember in the second half, there was a long ball from deep to Mo Salah, and Mbokazi gave him no chance at all. That shows the quality of Mbokazi, and now you can understand why I’ll be very angry if this guy ruins his career.”
ONTO THE NEXT ASSIGNMENT
Bafana Bafana will now shift focus to the next assignment which will be a crucial fixture against neighbours Zimbabwe.
Hugo Broos’ men need to avoid defeat against Zimbabwe in order for them to advance to the knockout stage.
This fixture is scheduled for Monday, 29 December in Marrakech.
Kick-off is at 18:00 SA time.