Kaizer Chiefs Legend Defends Bafana Bafana's Mbekezeli Mbokazi Over Red Card Against Zimbabwe
- A Kaizer Chiefs legend has backed Orlando Pirates captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi after being sent off in Bafana Bafana's goalless draw against Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers
- The Orlando Pirates defender was shown two yellow cards for two bookable offences late in the match on Friday evening
- Bafana Bafana fans also shared their thoughts on the Amakhosi great's view on Mbokazi's red card against Zimbabwe
Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has come to the defence of Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi following his late red card against Zimbabwe in Bafana Bafana's World Cup qualifier on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
Mbokazi was dismissed deep into stoppage time after receiving yellow cards in the 95th and 97th minutes, which rules him out of South Africa’s final World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
The 20-year-old has been one of the best players for both his club and country, and was hailed for his performance in Bafana Bafana's win over Lesotho, and also for his Man of the Match display against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Khumalo defends Mbokazi over red card
Speaking after the match, Khumalo suggested that the young Orlando Pirates captain “took one for the team,” though he also admitted that Mbokazi had allowed himself to be provoked into the incident.
“He took one for the team,” Khumalo said during his reactions to the match on SABC.
“He was ruffled and reacted, that I don’t condone, because it was retaliation. The boy provoked the situation, and you could see what the captain did; he wanted the game to continue but was clearly frustrated.”
Khumalo's co-analyst for the match on SABC, Hlompho Kekana, claimed Mbokazi, as captain of Pirates, needs to understand taking control of his emotions during matches.
The Kaizer Chiefs icon agreed with Kekana that Mbokazi did retaliate, and it was worthy of a second booking.
Source: Getty Images
“Yes, I understand. He did retaliate, and that’s a bookable offence. But he accepted it and did it for the team," he added.
He also mentioned how the whole issue is not easy to manage while on the pitch, as the pressure is high at that moment.
Fans also shared their thoughts on Khumalo's submission about the situation on social media.
MokwadiMo said;
"People just want someone to blame. So we played a draw because we received a red card on the 95th minute?"
Zwide kaLanga wrote:
"Nonsense, didn't take one for the team as that was unnecessary. He was being a bully unnecessarily so."
A’teezy shared:
"I believe that he was targeted and provoked at same time. Don’t know why Zimbabwe was so determined to be obstructive at all costs!"
Max Hommer commented:
"Now PSL teams have the idea to take him out and they will test him bandla he will get yellows now 🤣 😂."
Mfanakagogo reacted:
“Took one for the team” is just a misplaced reference. It’s not as if he was preventing anything from happening. That was pure iLL-discipline that needs to be condoned so he grows."
Emperor Ezzy added:
"I maintain what I said before..TLB will carry a record for a player with most red cards at the end of his playing career..he gets away with so many dangerous tackles that deserve a red card every game..with sober referees..red cards will reign."
Mbokazi flaunts R1.5m luxury car
Briefly News also reported that Mbokazi was seen showing off an expensive ride while chilling alongside Siyabonga Ndlozi and Mohau Nkota.
The car the Pirates captain was spotted with is said to be worth R1.5 million in the automobile market.
Source: Briefly News
