AFCON displays reinforce Hugo Broos' doubts over Mbekezeli Mbokazi's MLS move

Hugo Broos has stood by his view that Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s decision to move to Major League Soccer (MLS), where he has joined Chicago Fire, was not the best option for the defender’s development at this stage of his career.

The Bafana Bafana coach made the comments following Mbokazi’s encouraging performances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the young defender showed composure and promise. Those displays, according to Broos, reinforced his belief that the former Orlando Pirates player needs to be exposed to a more demanding football environment to reach his full potential.

In recent seasons, the American league has become an appealing destination for experienced players who may be past their peak but still have enough quality to help raise the standard of the competition and develop local talent. While the MLS continues to grow and remains competitive, Broos feels it does not provide the same level of consistent intensity as Europe’s top leagues.

Broos has previously acknowledged that South Africa’s Premier Soccer League is also a strong competition but pointed out that the highest level of football is still concentrated in Europe. He believes players with Mbokazi’s ability must regularly compete against elite opposition to sharpen their game, something he feels would have benefited the defender more than a move to the United States.

“When you look at his performances at AFCON, everyone can understand why I said what I said about him,” Broos told SABC News. “He has a lot of talent, and that talent needs to be tested every week. I am afraid that will not happen in America. He should have gone to a stronger competition, where every match would challenge him and help him become an even better player.

“He is already a very good player, and he could possibly have gone on to be one of the best players South Africa has produced. But he needs a challenge, and I do not think he will find that challenge in Chicago.”

Mbokazi’s swift rise saw him break into the Orlando Pirates first team shortly after being promoted from the club’s junior structures last season.

He was later given a significant role on the continental stage, underlining the confidence placed in him at international level. With the World Cup approaching, there is hope that the defender’s progress will not be affected by his move, especially as the national team looks to rebuild confidence following their early AFCON exit.

After several productive years, Bafana Bafana will be under pressure to regain belief and momentum. Broos admitted the disappointment of the tournament outcome was difficult to process but stressed the importance of learning from the experience and shifting focus to the future.

“It was very tough after the game against Cameroon, but now I am starting to manage the disappointment,” he said.

“We wanted to come back with the trophy, and I think the opportunity was there because we had the talent. But this is a difficult tournament, and sometimes you need a bit of luck, and maybe the luck was not with us.

"We played well, but it was missing. We now have to analyse the last five weeks and see what we can improve in the coming months, especially as we prepare for the World Cup.”