Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has welcomed Mbekezeli Mbokazi back into the national team setup, praising the defender’s attitude, commitment and performances ahead of South Africa’s upcoming double-header against Kenya.
Mbokazi missed the previous international break through injury, during which Mosimane made an impressive start to his second spell in charge, winning his first three matches.
However, the Orlando Pirates defender is back in the squad as South Africa prepares for another important international assignment.
Mosimane has also explained his decision to recall several familiar faces, including players based in Major League Soccer (MLS), insisting that their experience and previous contributions to the national team deserve recognition.
Mosimane Praises Mbokazi’s Attitude and Quality
The return of Mbokazi is a welcome development for Bafana, particularly given the defender’s impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mosimane appears pleased to have the young defender available again and believes his mentality makes him an important addition to the squad.
Speaking about the Orlando Pirates star, the Bafana coach praised his personality, desire to play and positive energy.
“He is a good boy, a good player, and he wants to play. He has a good mentality, and a good energy from what I saw on the games,” Mosimane said.
Mbokazi’s return gives Mosimane another defensive option as he continues to build a competitive squad capable of maintaining South Africa’s recent momentum.
Why Mosimane Has Recalled the MLS-Based Players
Another talking point surrounding the latest Bafana squad is the return of several South African players competing in Major League Soccer.
The likes of Bongokuhle Hlongwane and other MLS-based internationals have had to undertake lengthy journeys to join the national team camp.
Mosimane acknowledged the challenges involved, particularly the travelling time and adjustment to different time zones.
However, he made it clear that the players are expected to adapt to the national team’s schedule rather than the squad adjusting its arrangements around individual players.
“The MLS players travelled for one-and-a-half days to be here and time differences. We don’t adjust our time to their time, because we are a group and they just come in and gel in,” he explained.
The coach also praised the professionalism of the MLS contingent, suggesting that their performances and experience at the World Cup demonstrate the quality of the environment they come from.
Mosimane believes recalling these players is also about showing respect for their previous contributions to the national team.
He wants to maintain a balance between recognising established internationals and protecting the progress made by the current squad.
World Cup Stars Get Another Opportunity
Mosimane has also explained why several members of Hugo Broos’ World Cup squad have returned to the national team.
According to the coach, selection must reflect recent performances, fitness and the quality players have demonstrated when representing South Africa.
He believes the national team cannot afford to rely on the same group of players throughout every international break, particularly when injuries and club commitments create selection challenges.
“We are as good as our last game. We need to keep the momentum going after the results. In the national team we never have the same players easily back,” Mosimane said.
The coach also confirmed that Thalente Mbatha has recovered from injury and returned to the squad.
Mbatha appears to have made a positive impression on Mosimane, who indicated that the midfielder never caused problems during his time in camp.
Meanwhile, Thapelo Morena remains unavailable because of injury.
Lyle Foster and Mbokazi, who both impressed during the World Cup, have also been given another opportunity to contribute to the national team.
Mosimane Sends a Message About Competition for Places
The Bafana coach has emphasised that players must remain fit and perform consistently if they want to retain their places in the national team.
He explained that injuries inevitably create opportunities for other footballers, and those who receive opportunities must be encouraged to make the most of them.
“Everyone knows, as I said, you’re only as good as the last game. If you are injured you need to have somebody to play in your position and we also need to encourage who come and play,” he added.
Mosimane acknowledged that replacements might not always offer exactly the same qualities as injured players, but stressed that South Africa has a large pool of talent to choose from.
His approach suggests that competition for places will remain an important part of his rebuilding process.
Bafana Bafana Prepare for Kenya Double-Header
South Africa will host Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
The encounter presents another opportunity for Mosimane to assess his squad, maintain the winning momentum and continue developing combinations between established internationals and emerging players.
With Mbokazi, Mbatha, Foster and the returning MLS contingent available, Bafana will be hoping to deliver another strong performance.
Can Pitso Mosimane maintain his winning start and guide Bafana Bafana to another victory against Kenya?
