Mbekezeli Mbokazi is fit again, but when is he back for Bafana Bafana?

Mbekezeli Mbokazi is back ahead of schedule for his club side after a serious thigh injury. When will Bafana Bafana have their favourite son back?

Mbokazi is back for Chicago Fire, but what about Bafana Bafana?

Mbekezeli Mbokazi played 80 minutes for Chicago Fire in their MLS win over Charlotte at the weekend while former Burnley and Orlando Pirates striker Lyle Foster debuted for Houston Dynamo. Mbokazi was cut down by a thigh injury in July and was initially expected to be out for the remainder of 2026, but the stocky left-footer is back ahead of schedule. TLB, as he is affectionately known, made a goal-line clearance to preserve the points for the Fire away to Charlotte. Foster is on loan from Championship side Burnley.

When are Bafana next in action?

South Africa have started life under new boss Pitso Mosimane with two AFCON qualifying wins. Next up is a friendly clash with Egypt on Sunday, 4 October at 20:00. Mbokazi won’t feature here, but he’s expected to return to the Bafana fold when they meet Kenya on November 11th in an AFCON qualifier.

Appollis is on song for Bafana and Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis has become the nation’s go-to creative option. He claimed a hat-trick of assists against Eritrea in South Africa’s 5-0 win on Wednesday. The last player to claim three assists in a single game for South Africa? You guessed it, Appollis in 2024 against Congo. Appollis has started the Betway Premiership campaign productively too, scoring two goals and laying on two assists in seven outings.

Also read: Rele Mofokeng tops Orlando Pirates teenager for the top

What are your thoughts on Bafana’s performances under Jingles so far? Click the red comments banner below and have your say 🙂