South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan is hopeful that defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi will return to the Bafana Bafana squad after recovering from injury, giving head coach Pitso Mosimane another quality option in central defence. The Chicago Fire centre-back has returned to action after dealing with a recurring injury and is now being considered for a possible return to international football. His availability would provide a boost to South Africa as the national team prepares for its upcoming international commitments, including a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya in November. However, Mbokazi faces strong competition for a place in the starting line-up, with Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon and Khulumani Ndamane among the defenders competing for selection. Jordaan believes the return of experienced and talented players will give Mosimane more options as Bafana Bafana work towards their long-term objective of qualifying for major international tournaments.

Jordaan addressed Mbokazi’s situation while speaking to the media on Sunday during SAFA’s ordinary National Executive Committee meeting in Sandton. The association president expressed hope that the defender would be fit enough to rejoin the national team, highlighting the value he could bring to the squad. “We hope Mbokazi will be fit and will be back [at Bafana],” Jordaan said. His comments reflect the importance of having key players available as South Africa prepares for a demanding period of international football. Although the final decision rests with Mosimane and his technical team, Mbokazi’s recovery gives the national side another potential option in an important position.

Mbokazi has established himself as a notable defensive prospect through his performances for Bafana Bafana and his progress at club level. Since making his international debut under former head coach Hugo Broos, he has become a regular presence in the national team setup. His defensive strength, physical approach and ability to compete against opposing forwards have helped him build a reputation as a player capable of handling demanding matches. His move to Chicago Fire has also given him the opportunity to continue his development in Major League Soccer, where consistent performances can strengthen his case for international selection. Returning to full fitness would allow him to resume his efforts to secure a place in South Africa’s defensive plans.

The defender’s injury absence has made his potential return particularly significant because international coaches must often balance squad continuity with the need to select players who are physically ready to compete. Recurring injuries can disrupt a player’s rhythm and limit opportunities to maintain consistent performances, making a careful return to action important. Mbokazi has reportedly recovered ahead of schedule and resumed playing for his club, offering encouragement ahead of the next international window. However, his return to club football does not automatically guarantee selection for Bafana Bafana. The technical team will need to assess his fitness, match sharpness and overall readiness before deciding whether to include him in the squad.

Jordaan believes Mbokazi’s return would give Mosimane a positive selection challenge because the national team has several defenders capable of competing for places. Alongside Mbokazi, players such as Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon and Khulumani Ndamane provide alternative options in central defence. Having several capable defenders gives the coach greater flexibility when choosing a formation, adjusting to different opponents and managing the physical demands of a busy schedule. It also creates competition within the squad, encouraging players to maintain their standards and demonstrate their value through club performances. Rather than relying on a limited group of defenders, Mosimane could have a broader selection of options available as Bafana Bafana prepare for important matches.

“We are all looking forward to a wonderful match [against Kenya] in November at Orlando Amstel Arena,” Jordaan said while discussing the national team’s upcoming commitments. He also emphasised the wider ambitions of South African football, stressing that both the men’s and women’s national teams must continue pursuing qualification for major tournaments. “Bafana must qualify for the [FIFA] World Cup. Also, Banyana Banyana must qualify for the World Cup,” he added. His remarks underline SAFA’s stated focus on ensuring that the national teams remain competitive and achieve their qualification targets. For Bafana Bafana, strengthening the squad and maintaining competition for places will be important as the team prepares for its next series of international challenges.

The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya will be an important test for Mosimane and his players. The match is scheduled for Friday, 13 November, at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, with kick-off set for 18:00 South African time. Kenya, known as the Harambee Stars, will be led by South African football figure Benni McCarthy, adding further interest to an encounter between two teams seeking to strengthen their positions in the qualification campaign. The fixture will require Bafana Bafana to combine defensive organisation with effective attacking play, particularly if they want to maintain their position in Group D. Having additional defensive options available could help Mosimane prepare for the match with greater flexibility.

The competition for central defensive positions could become one of the key selection issues ahead of the Kenya encounter. Mbokazi’s previous involvement with Bafana Bafana gives him valuable international experience, but Makhanya, Okon and Ndamane will also be looking to establish themselves in the national setup. Each selection will depend on the players’ current fitness, performances and suitability for the coach’s tactical plans. International football often requires defenders to work closely together, maintain communication and respond quickly to different attacking threats. Mosimane will therefore need to consider not only individual ability but also how well potential defensive partnerships function as a unit.

For Mbokazi, a return to Bafana Bafana would represent an opportunity to rebuild momentum after his injury setback and continue contributing to the national team. His performances for Chicago Fire and his previous involvement with South Africa have helped keep him in contention, although he must still demonstrate that he is ready for the demands of international football. A successful return could strengthen the team’s defensive depth and provide the coach with another option for the upcoming qualification fixtures. At the same time, the presence of several competing defenders means that no player can take selection for granted. Maintaining fitness and delivering consistent performances will remain essential for everyone hoping to represent South Africa.

Jordaan’s comments highlight the importance of Mbokazi’s potential return while also recognising the depth of defensive talent available to Bafana Bafana. His recovery could provide Mosimane with another reliable option as South Africa prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya and pursues its wider international ambitions. However, the defender’s selection will depend on his fitness and the technical team’s assessment of the available players. Competition from Makhanya, Okon, Ndamane and other defensive candidates should give the coach greater flexibility when building the squad. If Mbokazi continues to progress following his injury, his return could strengthen South Africa’s options as Bafana Bafana look to maintain their competitive standards and work towards qualification for major tournaments.