Mbekezeli Mbokazi
CHI
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Sep 19, 2005 (21)
Left
5'10"
198 lb
Starts against Charlotte
Mbokazi (thigh) is in the starting lineup in Saturday's trip to Charlotte.
Analysis: Mbokazi could give Chicago an immediate defensive boost following his return to group training earlier this week. The center-back has not played since the World Cup, and it's still unclear if he's ready for a full-match performance. He should be reliable as a source of accurate passes, clearances and tackles while he shares defensive responsibilities with Jack Elliott.
Records 12 clearances in win
Mbokazi had one tackle (one won), 12 clearances and two interceptions in Wednesday's 1-0 win against South Korea.
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.
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.
Four clearances in loss
Mbokazi had one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 defeat against Mexico. He also added four clearances and two tackles
Analysis: Mbokazi tried to score with a long-range shot that didn't unsettle Jose Rangel, and in the end, that was one of two shots on target the African side had throughout the contest. However, he should earn most of his fantasy upside through defensive stats as long as he stays in the XI.
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