Mbokazi recovery offers Mosimane timely Bafana Bafana boost

Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s return to training with Chicago Fire has raised hopes that he could be available for South Africa during the November international break, providing new Bafana Bafana manager Pitso Mosimane with a major defensive boost.

The 20-year-old centre-back was omitted from Mosimane’s 35-man preliminary squad for South Africa’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after suffering a thigh injury. As a result, he will not be considered for the fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea later this month.

However, Mbokazi has resumed first-team training sooner than expected, increasing the possibility of a return to the national squad if his recovery continues without complications.

The defender picked up the injury shortly after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played every minute of South Africa’s four matches as Bafana Bafana progressed to the knockout stages.

Chicago Fire had initially suggested that Mbokazi might miss the rest of the Major League Soccer season. Coach Gregg Berhalter described the injury as a “serious setback”, but later acknowledged that the original assessment had been too pessimistic.

Mbokazi’s progress has since accelerated, culminating in his return to training with the first team. That development offers encouragement to South Africa after his absence had appeared likely to last for an extended period.

His availability would be especially valuable to Mosimane, who has begun a third spell in charge of Bafana Bafana after replacing Hugo Broos. The new manager has had limited time to establish his plans, with South Africa preparing for their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches later this month.

Mbokazi’s injury has already forced Mosimane to consider alternative central-defensive combinations for the September fixtures. The youngster is one of the World Cup squad members unavailable for selection, along with Nkosinathi Sibisi.

The importance of Mbokazi to the national side was highlighted by his performances in the World Cup. Despite his age, he was one of South Africa’s breakthrough players and played a central role in their run to the knockout stages.

His return could give Mosimane another option as he assesses his preferred defensive partnership and attempts to build on the progress made under Broos.

There is no indication, however, that South Africa will hurry Mbokazi back into international football. The immediate priority is for him to complete his rehabilitation, recover full match fitness and re-establish himself in the Chicago Fire team.

The November international window could provide a significant test of his progress. Should Mbokazi be playing competitive football by then, Mosimane may be able to recall one of Bafana Bafana’s standout performers from the World Cup.

For now, his return to training is only an initial step. But it represents a positive development for both the defender and a South Africa side beginning a new era under Mosimane.