Pitso: We saw Aden McCarthy score in the Champions League, but Mbokazi needs his chance

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has explained why he left young defender Aden McCarthy out of his final squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya. Mosimane made the comments when he announced his 27-man squad this week. He said he knows McCarthy is doing well in Europe, but he wants to bring back Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

“We saw Aden McCarthy. He scored also, right? He scored in the Champions League,” Mosimane said. “But we need to give Mbokazi an opportunity to be back with the national team because he has done exceptionally well for the national team. He played in the World Cup, right?”

McCarthy, who is only 22, plays for Sabah FK in Azerbaijan. The former Kaizer Chiefs academy product has made a strong start in Europe. He scored his first Champions League goal earlier this season when Sabah faced Borussia Dortmund. He headed in an equaliser in a match that ended 2-1 to the German side. McCarthy has also featured regularly for his club and was named in Mosimane’s preliminary 38-man squad. However, he did not make the final cut for the Kenya games.

Instead, Mosimane has recalled Chicago Fire centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi. The defender impressed during South Africa’s run at the 2026 World Cup but missed the last international window through injury. Mosimane believes Mbokazi’s experience with the national team makes him the right choice for these important matches. Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya is also in the squad after a good start to life in Scotland. Other centre-backs selected include Ime Okon and Lebone Seema.

Mosimane said the competition for places at the back is very high. He added that if Bafana had a friendly match coming up, he would have called McCarthy as well so he could get a look at him. The coach made it clear that McCarthy’s exclusion is not because he is playing badly. It is simply because the squad already has strong options who have proven themselves for Bafana.

South Africa will host Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, 13 November. They then travel to Nairobi for the return match on Tuesday, 17 November. Bafana currently top their qualifying group after wins over Guinea and Eritrea. Kenya are coached by former Bafana striker Benni McCarthy. Only the top team in the group will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mosimane’s decision shows how much depth Bafana now have in central defence. With several players based in Europe performing well, the coach has tough calls to make. For now, Mbokazi gets the nod, while McCarthy will have to wait for another chance to impress on the international stage.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2118691540247695589?a=lydyCRkRPfXbkEdzn1c&s=19