Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Ime Okon have given Hugo Broos a centre-back pairing with balance and bite during South Africa's 2026 World Cup campaign. Matthew Booth says the two defenders now look like the right fit in the heart of Bafana Bafana's back line.
Matthew Booth on Mbokazi
Booth called the pairing a natural match of strengths. Mbokazi's left foot and tackling set him apart, while Okon's height and passing help Bafana Bafana move the ball through pressure.
"Yeah, so it seems like Bafana coach Hugo Broos has found a new centre-back pairing," Booth said. "They suit each other well from a physical point of view. You know, Okon is taller in stature."
He added: "His technical abilities include a good pass into the space to break lines. Mbokazi, of course, is very strong in the tackle. And, of course, he's got a very good pass with his left foot."
South Africa's back four shift
The change came after the first game against Mexico, when South Africa played in a back three and the structure broke down. Booth said Okon, in the centre, was pushed left and lost his right foot, while Nkosinathi Sibisi ended up at right back and Mbokazi mostly at left back.
"I think, of course, the first game against Mexico was an absolute disaster because they played in a back three, and they ended up in positions which they're not used to," he said. "Okon, playing in the centre, got pushed across to the left, and that closed out his right foot. You know, Nkosinathi Sibisi ended up at right back, and Mbokazi mostly at left back, which was, yeah, they just looked very, very awkward."
South Africa reverted to a back four against Czechia, and Booth said that shape let Okon and Mbokazi settle into roles that suit them. The pairing has been praised as settled even though Mbokazi has 13 caps and Okon has 11 caps.
South Korea and the numbers
The best version of that partnership showed up against South Korea. Booth said South Korea had 69% of the possession, but Bafana Bafana limited them to eight shots and only three on target.
"The Korea game, I think, capped off a brilliant defensive performance," Booth said. "Korea had 69% of the possession. But despite this, they restricted them to eight shots, only three on target."
He also pointed to the work rate across the back line. South Africa faced 27 crosses, and Booth said Sphephelo Sithole, Okon and Mbokazi came to the fore with their presence and physical ability. Okon and Mbokazi created one chance each, and Okon made 48 passes, the most from the South African team.
That leaves Broos with a clean selection call as South Africa move deeper into the Round of 32. Will Hugo Broos keep Mbokazi and Okon together in the back four for the rest of South Africa's 2026 World Cup campaign? The answer will shape how far this defence can go.
