Amajita defender Palmer inspired by Mbokazi’s rapid rise

Amajita defender Matthew Palmer says Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s swift progression from youth football to the international stage has provided a major source of motivation as he begins his own career in Europe.

Palmer, one of the South Africa Under-20 players based overseas, came through the Ubuntu Football Academy in Cape Town and is now with Croatian top-flight club NK Slaven Belupo.

The teenager is viewed as a promising left-footed centre-back and follows in the pathway previously taken by Mbokazi, who impressed at Amajita before earning a rapid promotion to the Orlando Pirates first team, Bafana Bafana and then Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.

Palmer said watching Mbokazi perform at the World Cup and AFCON had shown young players what could be achieved.

“I’ve been watching him [Mbokazi] in the World Cup and AFCON, he’s been a great player, a great inspiration to us as youngsters, so we can take a lot of points from him and learn a lot of things from him,” Palmer said.

The upcoming 2026 Cosafa Cup Championship will be another important opportunity for Palmer, who has received his first South Africa Under-20 call-up. South Africa will attempt to retain the title in Mozambique, with the competition scheduled to take place from September 18-27.

Palmer said he was grateful for the chance to represent his country and use the tournament to demonstrate his ability.

“Being with the U20s is a privilege you know, I give thanks to God for this opportunity to showcase my talents and everything, to put myself out there so everyone can see me,” he added.

The tournament will feature 12 teams, with regional honours at stake alongside two qualification places for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana.

Palmer believes South Africa must commit fully to the competition if they are to defend their title and return to the continental finals.

“It’s a very important tournament, we need to go all in. Put all the hard work in, win the tournament and go to AFCON again to represent our country well.”