Bafana Bafana have received an encouraging boost with defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi making a surprise return to competitive action much earlier than expected.
The Chicago Fire centre-back was initially expected to miss the remainder of the MLS season after suffering a serious left-thigh injury during training last month.
Mbokazi subsequently underwent surgery in Finland, with Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter and the defender’s representatives indicating that his campaign could be over.
However, the 23-year-old has made a remarkable recovery.
Mbokazi returned to the starting lineup on Saturday as Chicago Fire secured a 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC, making his first competitive appearance since suffering the injury.
His comeback comes considerably sooner than initially anticipated, with expectations that he would only return to action next year.
Mbokazi back in Bafana contention?
The injury had ruled Mbokazi out of Pitso Mosimane’s latest Bafana Bafana squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
South Africa opened their qualifying campaign with a narrow victory over Guinea and are due to face Eritrea before an upcoming friendly against Egypt.
Mbokazi’s early return could now give Mosimane another defensive option as the AFCON qualifying campaign progresses.
In his absence, Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon were paired in central defence against Guinea. The partnership produced a solid display, but Mbokazi’s return adds further competition for places at the heart of the Bafana defence.
If he can maintain his fitness and regain his best form, Mbokazi could put himself firmly back into Mosimane’s plans for the upcoming international windows.
The defender has established himself as an important option for Bafana over the past year, making his return particularly significant for the national team.
Who could make way for Mbokazi?
Mbokazi’s return is likely to create an interesting selection decision for Mosimane once the defender is available for international duty again.
Makhanya and Okon currently have an opportunity to establish themselves in the starting XI, while Mbokazi will be looking to reclaim his place after his injury setback.
For now, his immediate priority will be maintaining his fitness and building up his match sharpness following the long layoff.
But with the AFCON qualifiers continuing, an in-form Mbokazi could soon give Mosimane another selection headache.
