‘We Should Have Won’ – Eric Tinkler Praises Mbokazi but Questions South Africa's World Cup Approach

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Eric Tinkler has praised Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi for his outstanding performance in South Africa’s 1-1 draw against Czechia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bafana Bafana bounced back from their opening defeat to Mexico, where they finished with nine men, to earn their first point of the tournament. 

Teboho Mokoena’s well-taken penalty in the 83rd minute cancelled out Czechia’s early lead, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive ahead of a must-win clash against South Korea next Thursday.

Mbokazi Shines at the Back

At just 20 years old, Mbokazi once again impressed with his composure, strength, and tactical awareness. 

Tinkler, who earned 45 caps for Bafana Bafana between 1994 and 2002, singled him out for special praise.

“Mbokazi was exceptional on the night. His pace, ability to read the game, and physical presence stood out. He is a player who is still in the early stages of his development and can develop to be a top, top, top defender for both his club and country.  He is calm and composed when he needs to be and aggressive and strong on the tackle when called upon. He was just outstanding. He and Okon dealt with the threat from set pieces very well,” Tinkler told SportsBoom.co.za, in an exclusive interview. 

Criticism of Slow Start

Despite the draw, Tinkler was critical of Bafana’s first-half performance.

“I felt it started again poorly. We were poor in terms of organisation when they scored. There wasn’t enough penetration or movement between the lines. It was only in the 43rd minute that Maseko managed to get behind the defense showing his strength, and that is not good enough. It only changed when Mofokeng came on at halftime. He gave us more going forward, and we dominated after that," he added. 

Tinkler argued that the team’s conservative midfield setup, with three defensive players, limited their attacking options. He felt the game was there for the taking.

“We needed to start the way we finished. Czechia were vulnerable, and this was a game we should have won. From the start, our set-up in the midfield limited us. We started with three defensive midfielders: Mokoena, Mbatha and Adams. I thought we needed to put in an offensive player to play close to Reyners. Themba Zwane could have been an obvious choice, but he is suspended. I felt Mofokeng did well in the position when he came on and gave us a bit more going forward. We take the draw, but it is not enough. This is a game we should have won; Czechia was there for the taking”

Players Must Take Responsibility

The former Barnsley midfielder also urged players to show greater initiative on the pitch.

“It cannot always be the coach. Players need to take responsibility and adapt at this level. At times, they approached the game like fans. When we equalised, Czechia were unsettled, but instead of pushing, it looked like the players were content with the draw, looking at the way we celebrated the goal. It was a big goal, an important point, but at that time, the opposition was vulnerable, and we needed to take advantage of these moments in a game. We need to have more football scholars on the pitch.”

Looking Ahead to South Korea

South Africa will face South Korea without industrious midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who is suspended. 

Tinkler warned that the Koreans will be a stern test.

“They are a very good team, hard-running, and we must be switched on from the first minute. We don’t need pretty football; sometimes you play ugly and win. Against Korea, all we need is a convincing win and see where that takes us.”

A Lighthearted Anecdote

Tinkler also recalled with laughter how he, Mark Fish, and Lucas Radebe missed a Confederations Cup match against Czechia in 1997 due to a passport mix-up.

“Lucas had taken the wrong passport, so we had to wait in London for the correct one to arrive from Leeds. By the time we landed in Saudi Arabia, the game had already ended.”

Back then, Bafana Bafana drew 2-2 with Czechia, their only point of the tournament. 

Now, history threatens to repeat itself as South Africa prepares for another decisive clash, this time against Son Heung-min’s South Korea at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.