Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Analysis: Mbokazi delivered the most dominant defensive performance of the match in Wednesday's 1-0 win over South Korea, registering 12 clearances, two interceptions and one tackle across his 90 minutes as the left center-back in South Africa's back four, consistently dealing with South Korea's aerial threat and clearing danger from his penalty area in a match where the quality of his defensive work was central to preserving the clean sheet that sent Bafana Bafana into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. The center-back completed 24 passes and won two aerial duels as one of the defensive pillars that frustrated Oh Hyun-Gyu and Hwang Hee-Chan throughout, with his 12 clearances the most of any player on the pitch from either side. His aerial dominance, defensive authority and reading of the game make him South Africa's most physically commanding defensive option heading into the round of 32 against Canada, where his ability to deal with aerial threats and organize the backline will be essential to any upset his side can produce.

Jun 18, 2026

Three shots and 10 clearances

Mbokazi had three shots (zero on goal) in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Czech Republic. He also added 10 clearances.

Analysis: Mbokazi was one of the top performers for the Bafana Bafana and had an impressive outing, tallying a team-high three shots and adding 10 clearances, another team-high mark. Mbokazi has arguably been a standout performer for South Africa and should remain a key cog at the back in their group-stage finale against South Korea on Wednesday, June 24.