Bafana Bafana Star Mbekezeli Mbokazi Makes Unexpected Injury Return
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi has made an unexpected return to competitive action after his serious injury appeared set to keep him out for much longer
- The Bafana Bafana defender returned to the Chicago Fire starting XI sooner than expected, providing a timely boost for Pitso Mosimane
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi's comeback could give the Bafana Bafana coach another defensive option as the AFCON qualifiers continue
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Bafana Bafana have received a major boost after Mbekezeli Mbokazi made a surprise return to competitive football on Saturday, September 26, just weeks after suffering a serious thigh injury that had threatened to end his MLS season.
The Chicago Fire defender was named in the starting XI against Charlotte FC as his side secured a 1-0 victory. It was his first competitive appearance since the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbokazi suffered a left-thigh tear during training in July. Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter initially said the injury would keep the defender out for the rest of the season. In August, it was reported that Mbokazi was set to undergo surgery in Finland after the injury brought his 2026 season to an early end.
Bafana Bafana could benefit from Mbokazi comeback
The defender's rapid recovery comes after he was left out of Pitso Mosimane's latest Bafana Bafana squad because of the injury. His return could give Mosimane another centre-back option as South Africa continues its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
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Bafana opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on September 26. Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scored for South Africa. Mosimane's squad faces Eritrea next before another major Group D test against Egypt.
Source: Getty Images
What Mbekezeli Mbokazi's return means for Mosimane
Mbokazi established himself as an important defender for Bafana during the past year, including at the 2026 World Cup.
Chicago Fire confirmed when signing him from Orlando Pirates in December 2025 that he had already accumulated significant professional and international experience. The club described him as a player with "high potential" and a "strong leader and competitor".
His return does not automatically guarantee another Bafana call-up. However, maintaining his fitness and form could put him back into contention when Mosimane names his next squads.
Mbokazi's unexpected return gives Bafana another defensive option at a crucial stage of their AFCON qualification campaign.
Bafana Bafana FIFA ranking boost
Briefly News also reported that Pitso Mosimane’s winning return has already coincided with a significant shift in Bafana Bafana’s FIFA ranking.
South Africa’s next qualifiers could bring further changes before FIFA publishes its next official rankings update in October.
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Source: Briefly News
