Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper coach Grant Johnson has questioned the decision to leave Mbekezeli Mbokazi on the bench during South Africa’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Kenya in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Johnson believes the Chicago Fire defender remains the best centre-back in the country and could have made a difference had he been included in Pitso Mosimane’s starting line-up.
Bafana surrendered a two-goal advantage at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with Kenya scoring a late equaliser to deny South Africa all three points.
The result has raised questions about the team’s defensive organisation and Mosimane’s selection decisions, particularly with Mbokazi watching from the sidelines.
Grant Johnson Criticises Bafana’s Performance Against Kenya
Speaking on SoccerBeat, Johnson suggested that South Africa became too comfortable after taking the lead and failed to maintain the required intensity throughout the encounter.
He pointed to careless passing and a lack of concentration as some of the problems that allowed Kenya to fight their way back into the match.
“I think in some instances we were a little bit too casual. Some of our passing was not as accurate as it should be, and we became a bit complacent, especially in the second half,” Johnson said.
The former Bafana goalkeeper coach believes South Africa must improve their concentration and defensive discipline if they are to avoid similar setbacks in future matches.
Johnson Believes Mbokazi Is South Africa’s Best Defender
One of the biggest talking points following the draw was Mbokazi’s absence from the starting XI.
The 21-year-old missed previous AFCON qualifying matches against Eritrea and Guinea because of injury, but returned to the squad for the Kenya encounter.
However, Mosimane opted to start with Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon in central defence.
When asked whether Mbokazi could have prevented Kenya’s second goal, Johnson admitted that it was difficult to make such a judgement without knowing all the circumstances surrounding the goal.
Nevertheless, he did not hide his admiration for the young defender.
“It’s a difficult one,” Johnson explained.
“He is our best defender by far. He just came back from injury, so that puts a spanner in the works.”
Johnson’s assessment highlights the growing reputation Mbokazi has built through his performances, with the former Orlando Pirates defender now playing his football in the United States with Chicago Fire.
Travel and Fitness Could Have Influenced Mosimane’s Decision
Johnson also acknowledged that Mbokazi’s fitness and international travel commitments may have influenced the decision to leave him out.
The defender had travelled from the United States to join the national team, a journey that can create physical challenges for players because of the distance and time-zone differences.
Johnson suggested that disrupted sleeping patterns and fatigue could affect a player’s readiness, particularly after returning from injury.
“Also, the distance from America. We had quite a few players who struggled with the travel from America to here. It’s not just the distance, it’s the time zone difference as well. Your sleeping patterns are out, so you have to take all these things into consideration when selecting your team,” he added.
Although Johnson admitted that he would personally have selected Mbokazi, he recognised that the coaching staff may have had information about the defender’s physical condition that was not available to outsiders.
“He is our best defender. I would have played him, but we don’t know what happens inside the camp and how he was feeling. I’m sure the coach asked how he was feeling,” Johnson concluded.
Should TLB Start Against Kenya in Nairobi?
With Bafana Bafana preparing for Tuesday’s return fixture against Kenya, attention will now turn to Mosimane’s defensive selection.
Mbokazi’s possible inclusion could become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the encounter, particularly after South Africa conceded twice in Soweto.
The defender’s quality is not in question according to Johnson, but his recent injury and long journey from the United States remain important considerations.
Mosimane must decide whether Mbokazi is ready to start or whether Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon deserve another opportunity.
For Bafana, getting the defensive balance right will be crucial as they look to return to winning ways in Nairobi.
