Two wins from two games have given Pitso Mosimane a pleasant problem. With Mbekezeli Mbokazi nearing a return from injury, who will fill the gap at the heart of Bafana’s defence?
Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana are off to a flying start, but a selection headache is already forming at the back.
Bafana beat Guinea 2-1 and then thrashed Eritrea 5-0 in their first two AFCON qualifiers under the new coach. Next up is a double-header against 2027 AFCON co-hosts Kenya: the first leg in South Africa on 13 November, followed by the return in Kenya on Tuesday, 17 November.
The injury that created an opening
Mbokazi missed both qualifiers through injury, but he is getting fitter and is expected back for the November fixtures. Until now, he had firmly established himself as a starter.
In his absence, Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya got their chance as a pairing and made the most of it. Their showing has made Mosimane’s decision far harder.
Casualties further down the order
The rise of Okon and Makhanya has also pushed Nkosinathi Sibisi and Khulumani Ndamane down the pecking order. Their chances of breaking back in could shrink even further once Mbokazi is fully fit.
Who should make way for the returning Mbokazi? Let us know in the comments.
