Mbekezeli Mbokazi has returned to action earlier than expected after recovering from a serious thigh injury, but the South Africa international will have to wait until November before rejoining Bafana Bafana.
The Chicago Fire player featured for 80 minutes in his side’s MLS victory over Charlotte at the weekend. He also made a decisive goal-line clearance to help preserve the Fire’s points away from home.
Mbokazi was injured in July and had initially been expected to miss the rest of 2026. His return has therefore come ahead of schedule, with the player affectionately known as TLB now back on the field for his club.
The weekend’s match also saw former Burnley and Orlando Pirates striker Lyle Foster make his debut for Houston Dynamo. Foster is currently on loan from Championship club Burnley.
Mbokazi will not be involved when South Africa face Egypt in a friendly on Sunday, 4 October at 20:00. However, he is expected to return to the Bafana Bafana squad for their AFCON qualifier against Kenya on November 11th.
South Africa have made a winning start under new manager Pitso Mosimane, securing two victories in their opening AFCON qualifying matches. Their meeting with Egypt will provide another opportunity for Mosimane to assess his squad before the competitive fixtures resume.
Appollis continues to influence Bafana Bafana
While Mbokazi remains unavailable for the Egypt friendly, Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis has emerged as South Africa’s main creative outlet.
Appollis produced a hat-trick of assists in Bafana Bafana’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea on Wednesday. He is also the last South Africa player to record three assists in a single match, having achieved the feat against Congo in 2024.
The winger has carried that form into the Betway Premiership this season. He has scored two goals and provided two assists in seven appearances.
Mbokazi’s return gives Mosimane another option ahead of the November qualifier, although his immediate focus will be on regaining full match fitness with Chicago Fire after his lengthy absence.