Mbokazi and Campbell: Rising stars missing from U20 World Cup spotlight

Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Shandre Campbell are two of the hottest prospects to emerge from the country’s youth system in recent years.

Such has been their meteoric rise that they are already tipped to lead their respective clubs — Orlando Pirates and Club Brugge — and Bafana Bafana to glory in the coming years.

Mbokazi has already showcased his quality for both club and country. He captained Pirates to the MTN8 crown against Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium and helped secure three successive wins in the Betway Premiership in recent matches.

Campbell, meanwhile, is also enjoying life in Belgium. He has played two Jupiler Pro League matches and scored one goal since the start of the season following his promotion from the club’s youth structures.

The rise of the two youngsters — aged 19 and 20 respectively — suggests they should be knocking on Bafana’s door. Mbokazi, however, isn’t just knocking; he’s fast becoming one of the cornerstones of the team.

The Pirates vice-captain made his second and third appearances for Bafana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria — matches Bafana won and drew, respectively — and he hardly put a foot wrong.

Boy, he was so good in the rivalry clash against the Super Eagles at the heart of defence that he walked away with the Player of the Match award — a feat that earned him widespread praise.

Mbokazi is expected to feature prominently in the next two crucial qualifiers — away to Zimbabwe and at home to Rwanda next month — as Bafana look to secure their ticket to the global showpiece, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year.

Of course, playing at the senior men’s World Cup is every player’s dream. But football is fickle at the top, and for now, there are no guarantees that Bafana will qualify — especially amid reports that FIFA could dock the team three points for fielding Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible for the match against Lesotho in March.

Given that uncertainty — and the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game — Mbokazi and Campbell should have been given a chance to test themselves against their peers at the U20 World Cup in Chile later this month. The duo were notable absentees from coach Raymond Mdaka’s final squad for the global event.

The World Cup falls outside the FIFA calendar, so the clubs opted to retain the players for their respective domestic and continental matches - though Safa said Mbokazi was not considered as part of an agreement between Mdaka and his Bafana counterpart Hugo Broos. The defender is set to be part of the Bafana squad that will play two crucial qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering that scouts from around the world will be watching the matches. Their experience would have been invaluable — both for their clubs and for Bafana.

You see, while they are expected to shine for their clubs and country in the future, a strong foundation is essential for building a solid career. And there’s no better platform for that than a junior world event.

Youth tournaments not only lay the groundwork for successful careers — they also help build character. It’s where boys prove they’re ready to become men, both on and off the field.