Jordaan hopes returning Mbokazi gives Mosimane selection dilemma

The South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan is hoping Mbekezeli Mbokazi will recover in time to return to the Bafana Bafana squad, where his availability would increase competition for places in defence.

Mbokazi has resumed playing after overcoming a recurring injury and is challenging Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon and Khulumani Ndamane for a place in the national team.

Speaking to the media on Sunday after SAFA’s ordinary National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Sandton, Jordaan said the Chicago Fire defender would add considerable strength to Bafana Bafana’s backline.

Mbokazi has impressed during his time in Major League Soccer (MLS), enhancing his standing as one of South Africa’s leading players based overseas. He returned to action ahead of schedule after recovering from injury and is now in contention for selection by new Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane.

The defender had been a regular choice for Bafana Bafana since making his international debut under Hugo Broos. His return, however, would leave Mosimane with several strong options to consider.

“We hope Mbokazi will be fit and will be back [at Bafana],” Jordaan said.

“I think it will give coach Pitso a good problem, that he has many high-quality defenders, which now will include Mbokazi as well as other players who were injured and are returning to full fitness.”

Bafana Bafana’s next fixture is a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Kenya.

The match will be played on Friday, 13 November at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, with kick-off scheduled for 18h00 South African time.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars are managed by South African football legend Benni McCarthy, while Mosimane’s side will be seeking to strengthen their position at the top of Group D.

Jordaan also outlined SAFA’s wider ambitions for the national teams, including qualification for the FIFA World Cup for both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

“We are all looking forward to a wonderful match [against Kenya] in November at Orlando Amstel Arena. Bafana must qualify for the [FIFA] World Cup. Also, Banyana Banyana must qualify for the World Cup. So, those are the long-term objectives of what we want to achieve.”