Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has confirmed that star defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi will not feature in Fridayas international friendly against Panama at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Mbokazis long trip to join BafanaMbokazi has made the long journey to join up with the Bafana camp from the USA, and will only be available for Tuesdays clash with Panama at the Cape Town Stadium. Also missing tonight will be Minnesota United winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
ALSO READ : Broos explains Mofokengs attacking role for Bafana This is not tactical, this is not because they are sick or injured, said Broos, according to iDiski Times.Its just a question of the trip they made from America to here, and also the jet lag.There is seven hours time difference, so those guys need a little bit of time to recover. But they will be there on Tuesday for the second game.The absence of Mbokazi will potentially give a chance to 22 year-old Ime Okon to show what he has learned in his time with Hanover 96 in the German Bundesliiga II.Orlando Pirates Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mamelodi Sundowns Khulumani Ndamane are the Bafana head coachs other options in the heart of defence. If Okon does play, he wont be making his Bafana debut, as he already featured for South Africa in the 2025 Cosafa Cup.
