FORMER Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has hailed Mbekezile Mbokazi as South Africa’s standout performer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained why his side bowed out of the tournament, admitting they could not match Canada’s physicality and pace in their Round of 32 defeat.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that South Africa’s impressive World Cup campaign came to an end on Sunday after a dramatic 1-0 loss to co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles, with Stephen Eustáquio scoring a 92nd-minute winner to send the North Americans into the Round of 16.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Troost-Ekong reserved special praise for Mbokazi, who produced a commanding display at the heart of South Africa’s defence, frustrating Canada’s attack for much of the contest before the late breakthrough.
Speaking during his analysis on SuperSport, the former Nigeria captain described the young centre-back as South Africa’s best player on the day.
“I think it says a lot to say that Mbokazi was the best player on the South Africa side. I think Okon also spent a lot of time on the ball,” Troost-Ekong said.
The Chicago Fire FC defender also suggested that South Africa’s cautious approach after the break ultimately proved costly.
According to him, Bafana Bafana became more adventurous during the closing stages of the match but had waited too long before committing players forward.
“I think in the second half there were opportunities towards the last half hour; they opened up to be a little more attacking-minded. They were waiting to see what would happen in extra time and I think that cost them today,” he said.
Troost-Ekong further credited Mbokazi’s development to his move from Orlando Pirates to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire FC during the winter transfer window, saying the exposure to regular football in a World Cup year had accelerated the defender’s progress.
“The step-up for him to the MLS has helped to continue his development in a year that is a World Cup year. It makes sure that he is playing and I think after this tournament, he can look back and see this is what he learned,” he added.
Speaking after the defeat, South Africa coach Hugo Broos admitted that Canada deserved their victory because they possessed physical attributes his team currently lacks.
“I have said many times that modern football is more than just technique. There is power and speed, and we do not have it in our team yet. Canada had those qualities,” Broos said, according to an AFP report.
The 74-year-old Belgian had earlier announced that he intended to retire from coaching after South Africa’s participation at the World Cup, bringing to an end a managerial career spanning more than three decades.
“I want to spend more time with my wife, children and grandchildren,” he had said in a pre-World Cup interview with AFP.
However, following the defeat to Canada, Broos suggested he may not be ready to make a final decision about his future.
“It is not clever to make decisions when you are disappointed, so I will not do it here,” he said during his post-match press conference.
Reports from within the South African Football Association indicate that the veteran coach could still remain with the national team in one capacity or another.
A football association insider said: “Hugo may continue as head coach or fill some other role, such as scouting and watching South Africans playing in Europe.”
Broos has received widespread acclaim for transforming South Africa since taking charge of Bafana Bafana in 2021.
Under his leadership, the national team qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years and progressed beyond the group stage for the first time in the country’s history.
His tenure has also sparked renewed enthusiasm among supporters.
While fewer than 200 spectators attended a friendly against Botswana shortly after his appointment, a World Cup warm-up match against Panama in Cape Town attracted a capacity crowd of 50,000 fans.
Broos also guided South Africa to a memorable Group A victory over South Korea during the tournament, helping Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stage after suffering first-round exits in their previous three World Cup appearances.
Although South Africa’s World Cup journey has ended, Canada will now face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16 in Houston.
For South Africa, attention now turns to the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, where Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group D alongside Kenya, Guinea and Eritrea.