Pitso Mosimane handed timely Mbekezeli Mbokazi boost after injury setback

Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s earlier-than-expected return to training has handed Pitso Mosimane a potential boost as the new Bafana Bafana coach begins shaping his squad for the next Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

The 20-year-old defender was excluded from Mosimane’s 35-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers after the thigh injury that ruled him out of selection. He will therefore miss South Africa’s opening fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea later this month.

However, Mbokazi’s return to first-team training with Chicago Fire has provided fresh encouragement and raised the possibility of a return to the national team during the November international window.

The centre-back sustained the injury shortly after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played every minute of Bafana’s four matches as they progressed to the knockout stages.

Chicago Fire revise initial prognosis

Mbokazi’s recovery initially appeared set to be a lengthy one, with Chicago Fire indicating that the injury could keep him out for the remainder of the MLS season.

Head coach Gregg Berhalter had described the setback as serious, creating uncertainty over when the highly-rated defender would be able to return.

But that assessment soon changed as Mbokazi responded better than expected to treatment and rehabilitation.

Berhalter subsequently revealed that the original prognosis had been premature, and the defender’s progress has now taken another significant step with his return to first-team training.

While training is not the same as competitive action, Mbokazi’s presence alongside his Chicago Fire teammates represents an encouraging development for both club and country.

Mosimane faces defensive decisions

The timing of the recovery is particularly relevant for Mosimane, who has returned for a third spell in charge of Bafana and is tasked with building on the progress achieved under Hugo Broos.

The former coach has had limited time to impose his ideas since taking over, with the AFCON qualifiers providing his first competitive opportunity to shape the team.

Mbokazi’s absence means Mosimane must explore alternative combinations in central defence for the September fixtures. The coach is also without Nkosinathi Sibisi, another member of the squad that represented South Africa at the World Cup.

That leaves Mosimane with decisions to make as he seeks to establish a reliable defensive partnership for the early stages of his tenure.

Mbokazi’s performances in the United States, meanwhile, demonstrated why his absence is significant. Despite being only 20, he was trusted throughout Bafana’s World Cup campaign and emerged as one of the team’s most promising performers.

November could open Bafana door

There is no expectation that Mbokazi will be rushed back into international football simply because he has resumed training.

His immediate priority is to complete his recovery, regain full fitness and re-establish himself in the Chicago Fire starting XI. Only once he has returned to competitive action will a Bafana comeback become a realistic consideration.

The November international break could ultimately provide the clearest opportunity.

Should Mbokazi be playing regularly by then and avoid any further setbacks, Mosimane could consider recalling one of South Africa’s most impressive young players from the World Cup.