South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has welcomed Mbekezeli Mbokazi back to the Bafana Bafana squad following his recovery from injury, expressing confidence in the national team's preparations ahead of its crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Kenya.

Jordaan visited the team's training camp on Thursday, where he watched the players complete their final training session at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. During the visit, he interacted with the coaching staff and players, encouraging them to remain focused as they pursue qualification for the continental competition.

The SAFA president also singled out Mbokazi, a centre-back currently playing for Chicago Fire FC, who has returned to the national team after missing several months of action because of injury.

“We welcome Mbekezeli Mbokazi back from injury and wish (Bafana Bafana) HOD David Molwantwa, coach Pitso Mosimane, captain Ronwen Williams, the technical team and the players all the best in their match today,” Jordaan said.

He further stressed the importance of continuing South Africa's qualification campaign, adding

“Our march to CAF AFCON 2027 must continue, and we wish you all the best for today’s match.”

Mbokazi's return provides head coach Pitso Mosimane with an additional defensive option ahead of the Kenya fixture. The 21-year-old last featured for Bafana during the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages against Canada before suffering a thigh injury that eventually required surgery.

The setback prevented him from participating in South Africa's September international matches. However, he returned to competitive football with Chicago Fire towards the end of September and gradually worked towards regaining full match fitness.

During his absence, Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya formed South Africa's central defensive partnership as the team secured victories over Guinea and Eritrea in its opening AFCON qualifying matches.

Bafana Bafana will welcome Kenya on Friday, November 13, at 18:00 local time before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.

South Africa currently has six points from two Group D matches, and the upcoming encounters present another opportunity to strengthen its qualification prospects.

Source:

https://x.com/kickoffmagazine/status/2121252068950221075?s=46