Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has been forced to make a swift adjustment to his squad ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, calling up defender Thabo Moloisane to replace the suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
The drama unfolded late in South Africa’s frustrating goalless draw against Zimbabwe on Friday, where Orlando Pirates captain Mbokazi received two yellow cards in quick succession—in the 95th and 97th minutes—leading to his dismissal.
Read: Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Permutation
Mbokazi’s Costly Suspension
Mbokazi, who has been a standout performer for Orlando Pirates this season, was shown a red card by referee Mustapha Ghorbal after an intense moment in stoppage time. This lapse in discipline leaves Broos with one less defensive option for the must-win match on Tuesday.
The suspension prompted the immediate call-up of Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane, who was part of the preliminary squad and now joins the team in Nelspruit. Moloisane’s inclusion comes as Bafana Bafana prepares for their final group match against Rwanda, who recently suffered a 1-0 home loss to Benin.
Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo offered an empathetic defense of the young captain’s actions, describing the red card as a moment of passion fueled by frustration rather than recklessness.
“He took one for the team. He was ruffled, and he wanted to push – that I don’t condone because it’s retaliation,” Khumalo told SABC Sport. “But you could see he was provoked, and his reaction came from frustration rather than recklessness.” Khumalo explained that emotions were running high as the players desperately pushed for a winning goal.
Qualification Stakes
Bafana Bafana’s path to the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, is now precarious. They sit in second place in Group C with 15 points, two points behind leaders Benin (17 points).
To secure the automatic spot, the permutations are clear:
Bafana Bafana must beat Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium.
They must also rely on Nigeria to defeat Benin in their simultaneous showdown in Uyo.
A two-goal or better victory for Bafana Bafana, coupled with a Nigeria win, is the most comfortable scenario for South Africa to leapfrog both rivals and top the group.
The pressure is also on Nigeria (14 points), who revived their hopes with a 2-1 win over Lesotho. A victory for the Super Eagles against Benin would secure their own World Cup spot if Bafana Bafana fail to beat Rwanda.