Mokwana: I Almost Gave Up On Bafana

Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana has revealed that he had almost given up on returning to the national team, but thanks to his coach at Al-Hazem, Jalel Kadri, he found new momentum and earned his way back into the squad.

The 26-year-old joined Esperance in August 2024, but things did not go as planned. He struggled for game time throughout the season and eventually lost his place in the Bafana Bafana setup, with coach Hugo Broos sidelining him for several matches.

The former Sekhukhune United winger joined the Saudi Pro League side Al-Hazem on loan from Esperance ahead of this season, and since joining the Saudi Pro League side, he has redeemed himself, as he is a regular player in his new team.

Mokwana has played all nine league games this season, scoring once and also assisting one goal.

With his performance now back to normal, coach Broos decided to call him up as Bafana is going to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this month.

“I think I did lose some hope at some time that I would never make it again to the national team,” he said.

“But with my coach (Jalel Kadri), I think I had some hope because he was working with me on extra training sessions. He always believed in me and told me that I would get back to the national team.”

With the 26-year-old now back in the national team, Mokwana also expressed his gratitude and excitement to be back in Bafana Bafana.

“I was really happy when I received the call-up, I was really happy because it’s been a while,” he added.

“I wasn’t having a great form, but I’m grateful to be back and to help the team.”

This will be Mokwana’s second time in the AFCON, as he was there in 2024, which was held in the Ivory Coast, where he helped Bafana Bafana win the bronze medals.