Tonight, regardless of the result, history will be made. Bafana Bafana make their fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, their first in 16 years and their first qualification on merit in more than 20.
There is no better man to stand out on the world stage than Mbekezeli Mbokazi, writes Dylan Johnson.
Mbokazi is the heartbeat of Bafana’s backline. He is the definition of quality in defence and in possession. A left-footed centre-back – already a rare commodity in football – TLB is not only a physical and explosive force at the back. His vision and ability with the ball is as good as anything in Bafana’s midfield.
Since his move to MLS, the 20-year-old has shown a new part of the footballing world what South Africans already knew – this guy is not going to be a star, he already is one.
One of the first names on the team sheet, Mbokazi has been to international tournaments before. He has played in finals and won silverware with Orlando Pirates, and before his move to Chicago Fire he was an important part of the best defence in the PSL.
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Tonight in Mexico City, he faces a whole new level of challenge. But he will rise to meet it.
Mexico do not need a reason to perform this evening. Opening the tournament as hosts, against the same opposition as 2010 – the first time in World Cup history that an opening fixture has been repeated – in front of 87,523 at the Estadio Azteca, this is as daunting a backdrop as football provides.
Mexico’s attack is led by Raul Jimenez, an experienced striker with 124 Premier League goal contributions and 45 goals for his country. A serious threat for any defender making their World Cup debut.
But knowing Mbokazi, this is what will excite him. What he may lack in height compared to Jimenez, he will more than make up for in passion, determination and defensive intelligence.
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He will be crucial to starting Bafana’s attacking play, holding possession when we have it and keeping out a fired-up host nation.
Strikers win you games – that is undeniable. But defenders like Mbokazi give them the platform, the protection and the confidence to decide matches.
Prediction: Man of the Match – Mbekezeli Mbokazi
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