Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has welcomed the return of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Lyle Foster to the national team, saying their arrival gives coach Pitso Mosimane a positive selection headache.

Williams spoke to journalists as the squad prepared for a double-header of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya. He made it clear that having the two players back strengthens the group and raises the level of competition in camp.

“Having Mbokazi coming back, Lyle Foster coming back, it is amazing. They have been part of the team; they will obviously strengthen us, and they will bring the qualities and the competition as well,” Williams said. He added that training this week has been very competitive, with all 27 players pushing hard for places. “They have been amazing, and we’re excited to have them back.”

Mbokazi and Foster both featured under previous coach Hugo Broos but missed Mosimane’s first three matches in charge. The pair, who play in Major League Soccer, are now available again as Bafana get ready to face Kenya, coached by Benni McCarthy. The first match is set for Friday evening at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Williams pointed out that the two players have been part of the history the team has built together. “That’s good, that’s another headache for the coach, and that’s good,” he said with a smile. He believes the current squad depth is something special for South African football. “When last were we in this situation as a team, as a country, to have so many players to choose from? I mean, anyone of the 27 can play, can start, and we know that they’ll perform because they all have, most importantly, the experience.”

Most of the players in the group have already played at the World Cup, in AFCON tournaments, and in previous qualifiers. That experience gives Mosimane real options as he decides his starting line-up. Williams also noted that competition does not stop with the current squad. Other players outside the camp are performing well at their clubs around the world and continue to knock on the door for national team call-ups.

“We must celebrate that we have so many players doing well, exceptionally well. Playing all over the world now, doing exceptionally well. It’s good for us. It can only make us better,” Williams said. The return of Mbokazi and Foster adds further quality and choice for Mosimane ahead of the important matches against Kenya.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2121173784212259170?a=8GCkwUZobqaGZWsa4TQ&s=19