Former Bafana Bafana defender Mathew Booth has made suggestions for Siyabonga Ngezana’s replacements as the Romania-based star’s prospects of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad appear to be diminishing.
After picking up a knee injury in early February, Ngezana was only back to play competitive football for his club FCSB in April. Since returning from an injury spell, the former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back has played just one game, 13 minutes of action against FCV Farul Constanta and was not in the matchday squads for the two games that followed.
That appears to be denting his chances of returning to the national side for the global football showpiece. He was excluded by Bafana coach Hugo Broos from the March international friendly matches against Panama while injured.
The 28-year-old reportedly opted against surgery, which would have required more time to heal, with recovery stretching into the World Cup period. But reports have also emerged of a fresh injury setback for the FCSB defender, who has missed his club’s last two games.
For a player who featured in every minute of Bafana’s 2025 AFCON campaign, which ended in the Round of 16, he was a likely candidate to go to the World Cup. But his chances now look faint, and South Africa coach Broos has other options.
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“Hopefully, Ngezana does make it because he adds a bit of presence when it comes to defending and attacking set pieces. I think this will be vital going to a World Cup of this nature, especially against the Czech Republic and Mexico,” Booth told FARPost.
“The possible replacement should he not make it, I think Ime Okon now that he is playing in Europe will be more comfortable alongside [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi or [Nkosinathi] Sibisi. He also has the relevant stature and presence. Having said that, if you look at a list of possible contenders, certainly [Lebone] Seema and [Grant] Kekana do come into play. They have been on the continent; they are the local title challengers [Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership race].
“Grant will be playing in the CAF Champions League final soon, so when it comes to big-match temperament and not being overawed at the Azteca Stadium [in Mexico], where there is going to be close to 100,000 fans in the opening game of the World Cup. You need players who have played in big games recently.
“Competition is very tight for centre-backs. At the moment, I’m very happy with Ngezana, Sibisi, Mbokazi and [Khulumani] Ndamane,” the former Sundowns defender went on.
“Obviously, with Ngezana possibly not making it, Ime Okon is probably the one to replace him, as we have seen in the latest squad against Panama. Should there been any other injuries, obviously the next contenders would be Kekana and Seema.
“But it’s very tough at the moment. We also got three or four quality left-footed centre-backs in the mix as well, which is great to see because in the past they have been far and few between.”
FRINGE CENTRE-BACKS FOR BROOS TO CONSIDER AS SUGGESTED BY BOOTH
Besides Okon, Sundowns’ Kekana and Seema who has been impressive for Pirates, Booth has presented other names he thinks can fit into the national team.
“The slight outliers, we all tend to focus on Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns, but the outlier for me would be [Simphiwe] Mcineka,” Booth added. “I have watched a lot of Richards Bay FC games, and he has been fantastic for them, not only this season but the last one. Keanu Cupido at Sundowns as well.
“Then AmaZulu FC defenders have done exceptionally well. The only negative is that they play a back three, which is not something that Broos really does often.
“So for a youngster like Keegan Allan, the opportunity to travel with the squad would be great, not necessarily as a starter. [Taariq] Fielies has also led the line in the centre of AmaZulu’s back three.
“But because of their formation, they probably wouldn’t have been considered. But they have been great this season for Arthur Zwane.”
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