By Angu Lesley
Football writer kick442.com- Cameroon
Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s outstanding FIFA World Cup campaign has significantly boosted his stock, with the South African defender now reportedly attracting interest from as many as 10 European clubs.
The 20-year-old centre-back is said to be on the radar of Real Betis, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Eintracht Frankfurt, Stade Rennais, Sassuolo, Anderlecht, Club Brugge, Ajax Amsterdam and FC Utrecht following a series of composed performances for Bafana Bafana on football’s biggest stage.
The growing interest appears to vindicate South Africa head coach Hugo Broos, who has consistently maintained that Mbokazi’s long-term future belongs in Europe rather than Major League Soccer.
When Mbokazi completed his move to Chicago Fire earlier this year, Broos openly questioned the decision, insisting the talented defender should have waited for an opportunity in one of Europe’s top leagues.
“I still insist that Mbekezeli Mbokazi should be going to Europe and not to the USA. He should go to a bigger competition where he’s more challenged,” Broos said, expressing his belief that the youngster had the quality to succeed at the highest level,” Broos is quoted by Goal.com following his comments last year.
Mbokazi has since responded in the best possible fashion. His fearless displays, maturity on the ball and defensive composure during the World Cup have caught the attention of scouts across Europe, with several clubs now closely monitoring his progress.
If the reported interest develops into formal bids, the World Cup may well prove to be the tournament that finally opens the European door Broos always believed was destined for one of South Africa’s brightest defensive talents.
French 
English