Pitso Mosimane Welcomes MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI Back To Bafana And Defends MLS-Based Players Recall

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has welcomed Mbekezeli Mbokazi back into the national team squad, praising the young defender’s mentality, attitude and desire to represent South Africa.

Mbokazi missed the previous international break through injury, during which Mosimane secured three victories in the opening matches of his second spell in charge of the national team.

With Bafana preparing for an upcoming double-header against Kenya, the coach has explained his decision to recall several familiar faces, including players based in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

Speaking about Mbokazi’s return, Mosimane had positive words for the defender.

“He is a good boy, a good player, and he wants to play. He has a good mentality, and a good energy from what I saw on the games,” Mosimane said.

The coach also defended the inclusion of MLS-based players, acknowledging the demanding journey they undertook to join the national team camp.

According to Mosimane, some of the players travelled for approximately a day and a half and had to adjust to the time difference before joining their teammates.

He emphasised that representing the national team requires players to adapt to the group’s environment rather than expecting the entire squad to accommodate individual schedules.

Mosimane further explained that several recalled players had been part of Hugo Broos’ World Cup squad and had already demonstrated their quality at international level.

“The MLS boys are focused. They show they come from a good environment and most of them that we brought back into the squad went to the World Cup,” he said.

The coach stressed that maintaining momentum following positive results remains a priority, while competition for places will continue.

Thapelo Morena is unavailable because of injury, while Thalente Mbatha has recovered and returned to the squad. Lyle Foster and Mbokazi are also among the players receiving another opportunity after their World Cup performances.

Mosimane insisted that no player should take their position for granted, explaining that injuries create opportunities for others to demonstrate their abilities.

Bafana Bafana will face Kenya on Friday at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

The encounter will provide Mosimane with another opportunity to assess his squad as South Africa looks to maintain its winning momentum.

Source;https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2120913876086608108

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