As the countdown to the MTN8 final intensifies, Orlando Pirates’ teenage sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi proved he is no longer just a rising star – he’s a national obsession.
On Tuesday night, the 19-year-old sensation delivered a performance against Nigeria that left fans breathless, pundits scrambling for superlatives, and head coach Hugo Broos practically begging Europe to come calling.
Read: The MTN8 Final heads to Mpumalanga for a Thrilling Final Chapter
In a tense 1-1 World Cup qualifier, Mbokazi was a class apart. Calm under pressure, commanding in defence, and mature beyond his years, the Orlando Pirates prodigy walked away with the man-of-the-match award – and perhaps, the keys to South Africa’s footballing future.
Dilemma
“This guy has to go to Europe. He is 19 years old, but you see the way he is playing, it is like he already has 10 years of experience at this level. It is his third game with the national team, and you see how he is playing,” said the Belgian mentor.
But while Broos sings his praises, a storm is brewing behind the scenes.
With the Under-20 World Cup in Chile just weeks away, SAFA faces a dilemma that could define Mbokazi’s trajectory – and possibly Bafana Bafana’s World Cup hopes. Should he join Amajita for the youth tournament, or stay with the senior team for must-win qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. If Mbokazi is sent to Chile, he’ll miss those crucial senior fixtures. If he stays, he could miss a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shine on the global youth stage. Either way, someone’s going to be unhappy.
And let’s not forget this isn’t the first time the junior setup has snubbed Mbokazi. He was controversially left out of the Amajita squad that won the U-20 AFCON earlier this year – a decision that sparked outrage among fans and raised eyebrows within SAFA.
Now, with the world watching, the pressure is on. Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insists the club won’t stand in his way: “I never stop the player, and the club never stops the player from going to the national team. It’s a proud moment to represent the national team, to be part of the best players in the country.”
But the real question is: which national team?
If Bafana Bafana let Mbokazi go to Chile and then stumble in their qualifiers, the backlash could be brutal. If they keep him and Amajita crash out early, critics will say he was wasted.
One thing is clear – Mbokazi is no longer just a player. He’s a symbol of South Africa’s footballing crossroads. And whatever decision is made in the coming days, it will echo far beyond the pitch.
Because when a 19-year-old is already being talked about as a future Bafana captain, you don’t just manage his minutes – you manage a nation’s expectations.
With the MTN8 final on the horizon, Mbokazi could add another feather to his cap. The highly anticipated rematch between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch is scheduled for Saturday, 13 September 2025, with kick-off set for 18h00 at the Mbombela Stadium.