Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi belongs in the top European leagues.

This is the view of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who has heaped praise on the 19-year-old, who has showed maturity beyond his years.

Mbokazi, who has captained the Buccaneers in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi, is in the Bafana Bafana squad to play Lesotho and Nigeria in FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month.

“From the beginning, he showed a very mature attitude. He’s confident, he’s strong, he has a good technique, and he plays without fear, and this is special for a young player,” said Broos.

“I was curious when he came with us. You see him playing with the team in those friendly games, and it was proof for me that he is a very good player.

“I never doubt for one second when I made the list not to take him. For the four years I am here (in South Africa), I never saw a defender like this, and young,” continued the Belgian.

“I think it’s good for him to stay another year (in the Premier Soccer League). Normally, Pirates will play Champions League. He is playing in a good team, and it will be a good battle to be champions for Sundowns and maybe Chiefs. It will be good for him.

“If it goes on like this, this is a guy who has to go to Europe, certainly with the skills and quality he has. This is a guy who has to go to Europe next year.”

Mbokazi hails from Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal and made his debut for the senior national team against Mozambique on 10 June.