Bradley Carnell has pinpointed Pitso Mosimane’s biggest challenge as the Bafana Bafana coach looks to forge a resilient defensive line out of South Africa’s emerging generation of centre-backs.
The former St. Louis City SC mentor believes Mosimane is blessed with a talented pool of modern defenders who possess all the technical tools, but stresses that the real test lies in transforming them into battle-hardened leaders and warriors in the mould of legendary skipper Lucas Radebe.
Mosimane named four rising centre-backs in his provisional squad for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers, whom Carnell believes are for the future.
Leading the pack is Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who returns to the senior men’s national team after missing the previous camp due to injury. The Chicago Fire FC vital cog was part of the Bafana squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup a few months ago, and his return adds composure at the back.
Aden McCarthy has also staked a strong claim after etching his name into the history books last month by scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal against Borussia Dortmund. The defender has been shining as a first-team regular for Sabah FK of Azerbaijan. This is the first call-up for the Kaizer Chiefs academy graduate.
Olwethu Makhanya has been a revelation at Rangers FC, where he is commanding a first-team jersey. Makhanya, one of the top performers at the Scottish giants, was voted the club’s September Player of the Month.
Completing the quartet is Ime Okon, who has been a consistent performer in Germany at Hannover 96 despite his side’s tough start to the 2026/27 season, where they sit 12th in the Bundesliga 2.
BRADLEY CARNELL: THE NEW GENERATION OF BAFANA BAFANA CENTRE-BACKS IS A BLESSING
In the same provisional squad, Mosimane also included Mamelodi Sundowns’ Khulumani Ndamane and Orlando Pirates’ Lebone Seema, as well as seasoned centre-back Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Reflecting on the depth at centre-back in an interview with FARPost, Carnell said having such talent is a blessing for the country, but a tough task for Mosimane.
“I think having three or more centre-backs is a blessing for South Africa. I mean, you think of the days of Lucas Radebe, playing with Rhoo, that was fantastic,” Carnell said.
“To play next to Lucas, just his leadership. That’s where all of those players can grow — their leadership. They have shown they have a really good skill set and the tools, but can they become leaders and warriors? Pitso must help them grow.”
On German-based Okon, Carnell added: “I think Ime is also on a really good pathway in Germany. It’s a good problem to have, to have three or four good centre-backs. Who knows, maybe there’s a change in form, but getting the best out of each player is a journey that Pitso has to go on, and I’m sure it’s an exciting one because working with good players is always good for any coach.”
Carnell also declared that representing the national team goes beyond individual ambition. “When you’re working for the national team, you’re giving everything for the country. Whoever gets the number to play has to do it with pride. As I said, it’s a good problem to have, and I think it’s exciting for the future, for the next few years for the national team.”
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