Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has weighed in on the Mbekezeli Mbokazi sending-off, explaining why he relieves the young defender of all blame following the Zimbabwe 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night.
The Warriors secured a point against Bafana Bafana, forcing a 1-1 draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in the penultimate Group C qualifier. The disappointing result shattered South Africa’s qualification hopes, leaving Bafana two points behind group leaders Benin, who defeated Rwanda 1-0 on the same night.
The intensely physical contest saw the referee issue two red cards. Zimbabwe forward and former Kaizer Chiefs striker, Knowledge Musona, was sent off in the 63rd minute after receiving his second booking for two dangerous tackles in each half.
In a demonstration of symmetrical officiating, Bafana centre-back Mbokazi also received two late bookings. However, unlike Musona, Mbokazi’s dual bookings came in quick succession toward the end of the match after post-foul tussles with Zimbabwe forward Tawanda Maswanhise.
With Maswanhise fouling the Orlando Pirates defender on both occasions, the agitated Mbokazi aggressively retaliated, prompting the referee to reach for his pocket.
Mbokazi’s bookings both came in the last two minutes of the game. The 19-year-old had otherwise offered a brave performance, winning his duels and making match-saving tackles in the box.
BROOS RELIEVES MBOKAZI OF THE BLAME
The Bafana gaffer commended the 20-year-old’s attitude on the pitch, attributing his unfortunate red card to his high competitiveness and deep yearning for victory. Broos insisted Mbokazi’s frustrations were justified by the high stakes and the result slipping away.
“This guy got frustrated, and he knew that with the results, we would be in trouble. So, he had it two times; the aggressiveness of the Zimbabwean player made him nervous,” he said. “That was something that a young player does, so I don’t blame him for that. It is something that he must learn. He is still young. What do you want?
Broos added: “This guy wants to win, and you can see it in his way of playing. If then a guy like the player of Zimbabwe went so aggressively two times on him, you can’t accept it, but you can understand that it happens,” added Broos as Mbokazi got his first red card in his professional career.
The Bafana mentor summed up by maintaining that the match result cannot be attributed to Mbokazi’s moment of frustration.
“Okay, that red card was not the reason why today [Friday] we didn’t win the game.”
Bafana’s last throw of the dice at World Cup qualification will come on Tuesday when they welcome Rwanda to the Mbombela Stadium. Mbokazi will be missing in action as he serves his two-match suspension. Kick-off is at 18:00.
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