Mbokazi Injury Return Gives Mosimane Selection Headache
Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane faces a welcome selection dilemma ahead of next month’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Kenya, boosted by the swift return of star defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Mbokazi missed all three matches during Bafana Bafana’s extended FIFA international window, which included two 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as Sunday’s glamour friendly against Egypt.
Mosimane fielded a heavily altered squad against the Pharaohs at Cairo International Stadium, partnering Ime Okon with debutant Orlando Pirates centre-back Lebone Seema.
Glasgow Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya—who started against Guinea and Eritrea after impressive displays in Scotland—came off the bench in Cairo.
Seema delivered an outstanding debut performance, anchoring the defense as Bafana Bafana secured a 1–0 victory courtesy of a strike from Mbokazi’s Chicago Fire teammate, Puso Dithejane.
Mbokazi was initially expected to miss the remainder of the year after sustaining a lower-body injury in Major League Soccer. However, the former Orlando Pirates defender staged a rapid recovery, playing 80 minutes and making a vital goal-line clearance in Chicago Fire’s victory over Nashville SC late last month.
Mbokazi’s timely return comes ahead of next month’s home-and-away ties against Kenya—fixtures Mosimane insists will determine South Africa’s qualification fate for AFCON 2027.
The recent national team camp faced several disruptions. Mamelodi Sundowns duo Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba were both unavailable after featuring in the opening win over Guinea, while defender Nkosinathi Sibisi carried an injury into camp, featuring only briefly against Egypt.
Meanwhile, midfielder Thalente Mbatha has returned to full training for Orlando Pirates and remains in line for selection when the Soweto giants clash with Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Mosimane acknowledged managing player workloads with Saturday’s showpiece in mind:
“I saw Mbokazi play; Teboho is not bad and will also return. We played Sibisi in the last five minutes to manage his comeback from injury because he has a cup final ahead,” Mosimane explained.
“We need to protect the players from both teams competing in the final so no one accuses us of favoritism.
“I was cautious with Sibisi because I know Orlando Pirates need him. Aubrey Modiba trained before the last match, and our priority is supporting these clubs to ensure every player is fit.
“I’m delighted all three goalkeepers [Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, and Ricardo Goss] got minutes—that’s very positive. And Lebone came out on top, which was great to see.”
Following back-to-back victories over Guinea and Eritrea, Bafana Bafana sit top of Group D with six points.
