Nkosinathi Sibisi is pleased with Mebekezeli Mbokazi's rise in the Bafana Bafan shirt

Nkosinathi Sibisi is not surprised Mbekezeli Mbokazi was one of the stand out performers when South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico last Thursday.

Bafana Bafana lost the World Cup opening match at a packed Azteca Stadium but Mbokazi was impressive in defence.

His former Orlando Pirates team-mates, Sibisi, said Mbokazi has always shown his defensive potential while at the Sea Robbers.

“When you talk about Mbekezeli, such a humble soul. I recall my very first encounter with him, when he was still playing in our development ranks. From there, I took him under my wing. I could see the potential he had and the person he was,” said Sibisi On the Rise: From South Africa to Chicago Fire documentary.

"Coming from the same neighbourhood and the same province, I knew from the start that he was going to be something big – but he had to prove himself, and within a short space of time, he did that. I've been following some of his games in Chicago; he's settling in quite well, and I'm very proud of him."

"One of his big attributes is his confidence and his ability not to be afraid regardless of the stage."

Thursday Bafana face Czechia in their second Group A game.