Mbekezeli Mbokazi return gives Mosimane a potential Bafana-AFCON boost

Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s return to training sooner than expected could provide Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane with a timely boost as he begins building his new-look national team.

Mbokazi will not be considered for South Africa’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after being left out of Mosimane’s 35-man preliminary squad because of the thigh injury that ruled him out of contention.

However, his return to training with Chicago Fire has raised the possibility that Mosimane could have the highly-rated defender available for the November international break, provided he continues his recovery without any setbacks.

The 20-year-old centre-back suffered the injury shortly after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played every minute of Bafana’s four matches as they reached the knockout stages.

Chicago initially indicated that Mbokazi could miss the remainder of the MLS season, with coach Gregg Berhalter describing the injury as a serious setback.

But Berhalter later revealed that the initial prognosis had been premature, with Mbokazi making better progress than expected.

That progress has now culminated in the defender returning to first-team training, giving Bafana further encouragement following what had initially appeared to be a lengthy absence.

For Mosimane, Mbokazi’s return would be particularly significant as he begins his third stint in charge of Bafana.

The new coach has had little time to settle into the position since replacing Hugo Broos, with South Africa preparing for their opening AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea later this month.

Mbokazi’s absence has already forced Mosimane to look at alternative options in central defence for the September fixtures, with the youngster and Nkosinathi Sibisi among the World Cup squad members unavailable for selection.

The defender’s importance to Bafana was underlined by his performances at the World Cup, where he emerged as one of the team’s breakthrough players despite his age.

His return therefore gives Mosimane another potential option as he looks to establish his preferred defensive partnership and maintain the progress made by Bafana under Broos.

There is, however, no suggestion that Mbokazi will be rushed back into international football.

The priority will be for the defender to complete his rehabilitation, regain full match fitness and establish himself back in the Chicago Fire team before a return to Bafana is considered.

The November international window could therefore become an important marker.

If Mbokazi is back playing competitively by then, Mosimane could have the opportunity to bring one of Bafana’s World Cup revelations back into his squad.

For now, the defender’s return to training represents a positive first step — and one that could eventually become an important boost for Mosimane and Bafana.