Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is taking his time in making the decision on who will come in place of suspended defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi against Rwanda on Tuesday evening.
South Africa will take on Rwanda in a must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier Group C match at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
They will play that match without young defender Mbokazi, who got a red card in the last minute of the 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe on Friday in Durban. The Orlando Pirates player was replaced by Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane.
Speaking ahead of the match, Broos admitted that deciding who to play alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi at centre-back for the Rwanda tie has proved to be difficult.
HUGO BROOS’ HEADACHE ON WHO WILL PLAY IN PLACE OF MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI ON TUESDAY
“So we have to think about how we will replace him for the game tomorrow [on Tuesday],” Broos told journalists. “I have to talk about it with Helman [Mkhalele] this evening [Monday] because it’s not an easy decision. So we will see.
“There are two options, so we will see them tonight [Monday]. Which option is best for the team, and let’s hope that we make the right decision.”
BAFANA BAFANA COACH ADMITS THE SUSPENSION OF MBOKAZI IS A CONCERN
“The suspension of Mboki [Mbekezeli Mbokazi] is a little problem for us. He is very strong in defending but also in transition and building up,” added Broos.
“So you don’t want to lose a player like this for an important game like tomorrow [Tuesday]. But yeah, it was a reaction from a young player who was provoked two times in five minutes, and he couldn’t control himself, and he did something that he shouldn’t have done.
“But I don’t blame him for that. Those are things that a young player has to learn. I can’t tell him well done, certainly not. But I will not blame him for that.”
RELATED STORY: ‘This guy has to go to Europe’ – Broos on Mbekezeli Mbokazi