Pitso Mosimane Explains Why Mbokazi Is Back In Bafana Bafana Squad

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has welcomed Mbekezeli Mbokazi back into the national team, praising the defender’s attitude and explaining why several players who featured in the previous World Cup squad have been recalled.

Mbokazi missed South Africa’s last international break, during which Mosimane recorded three victories in the opening matches of his second spell in charge. His return comes ahead of the upcoming double-header against Kenya, giving the coach another option in defence as he looks to maintain the team’s recent momentum.

Speaking about the defender, Mosimane described him as a player with the right mentality and a strong desire to represent the national team.

“A good boy, a good player, he wants to play. A good mentality, good energy from what I saw on the games,” the coach said.

Mosimane also addressed the challenges facing players arriving from Major League Soccer (MLS). He explained that some of the returning internationals had spent approximately one-and-a-half days travelling to join the squad, making adjustments to different time zones and jet lag necessary.

He said the players were expected to adapt to the team’s schedule rather than the entire group changing its routine around their arrival. However, he praised their focus and the footballing environment from which they had come.

The coach also stressed that recalling established internationals was a way of recognising their previous contributions without disrupting the progress made by the players who featured in his first matches.

Among those mentioned were Mbokazi, Lyle Foster and Thalente Mbatha, who had returned from injury. Mosimane also confirmed that Thapelo Morena was unavailable because of injury.

According to the coach, players who had previously performed well for Bafana deserved opportunities to rejoin the squad, but past achievements would not guarantee anyone a permanent place.

He emphasised that the national team must remain competitive and that players coming into the group should be encouraged to take their opportunities.

“We are as good as our last game,” Mosimane said, explaining that the team needed to maintain its momentum after the recent results.

His comments underline the balance he wants to maintain between rewarding players with established international experience and giving opportunities to those who have stepped in during their absence.

With Mbokazi back in the squad, attention now turns to how Mosimane will use his available players against Kenya as Bafana seek to continue their positive run under the returning coach.

Source: https://x.com/idiskitimes/status/2120892664149151810?s=46

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