Hugo Broos Reacts to Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s Sending Off in Bafana Bafana’s Draw
- Hugo Broos has broken his silence concerning the sending off of Mbekezeli Mbokazi during Bafana Bafana's goalless draw against Zimbabwe
- The Orlando Pirates captain was shown two late yellow cards after his back-to-back issue with a Zimbabwean forward
- Bafana Bafana fans also shared their thoughts on what Broos said about the red card the youngster received on social media
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has shared his thoughts on Mbekezeli Mbokazi's red card in South Africa's goalless draw against Zimbabwe in their World Cup qualifying tie on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
The Orlando Pirates defender got two late yellow cards after an altercation with Zimbabwean attacker Tawanda Maswanhise, who also got booked by the referee.
The penultimate Group C qualifier ended goalless at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Bafana Bafana's chances of qualifying for the global football tournament now in jeopardy. However, the major talking point was Mbokazi's red card.
Mbokazi has been one of the most important players for Broos in recent matches and was named the Man of the Match when Bafana Bafana held the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the last international break.
Broos on Mbokazi's red card against Zimbabwe
Broos, who recently advised the Bafana Bafana defender to consider moving to Europe, praised Mbokazi’s commitment on the field, saying the red card was the result of his competitive nature and strong desire to win.
The coach acknowledged that the youngster’s frustration was understandable, given the intensity of the match and the implications of the result.
Source: Getty Images
The Belgian tactician also explained that Mbokazi's strong desire to win was reflected in his performance. He said that while retaliation cannot be excused, it’s understandable when a player reacts after being attacked twice. He also pointed out that this was Mbokazi’s first red card of his career.
The Bafana Bafana head coach's submission on the red card issue gathered various reactions from fans on social media.
Orphoneal Shai shared:
"Another learning curve on his journey to becoming one of the best defenders,born and developed in South Africa."
Mathomo Tomzar Thoka commented:
"Mbokazi won't get away with all this in EPL, La Liga, Bundisliga maybe Serie A infact against speedy players he'll suffer because most relies on his body structure."
Angela Nhira wrote:
"Boys from Trababalas taught abagabafana football. Khaula Mbokazi. Tebza clapped hands seeing Knowledge red carded, same as Apollis and others. 1 sting enough. Win Benin, u gama Benin."
Kago Jackie Sawyer said:
"So the coach teach him wrestling also that great he deserves red card 😅."
Simon Simo reacted:
"Mbokazi Is going to Be Getting Red Cards often . because he plays Rough. he is too Physical..Rugby Will suit him Better."
AfrikanChefZA added:
"That's not being aggressive though, he was unnecessarily fighting. Tackling the player and stealing the ball is okay but what he kept doing after was nothing but hooliganism."
Chiefs legend defends Mbokazi over red card
Briefly News also reported that a Kaizer Chiefs legend has backed Mbokazi despite being sent off in Bafana Bafana's draw against Zimbabwe in the FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture.
The legendary South African footballer backed the Pirates defender by claiming he took one for the team despite it being late offences.
Source: Briefly News
