The injuries to Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau have created a major defensive headache for Bafana Bafana ahead of their upcoming AFCON qualifiers. Both players have become important figures in the national team, with Mbokazi establishing himself as a promising centre-back and Mudau providing experience, pace and defensive reliability at right-back. Mudau is expected to be out for a long period after suffering an Achilles rupture, making his absence particularly significant.
With these two unavailable, the question now is: which defenders should Hugo Broos trust when Bafana face Guinea at home, travel to Eritrea, and then play Kenya home and away?
For me, Ime Okon should be one of the first names on the teamsheet. The Hannover 96 defender impressed during the 2026 World Cup and developed a strong understanding with Mbokazi in central defence. His composure, physical strength and ability to build from the back make him a natural candidate to take greater responsibility following Mbokazi’s injury. Okon has already shown that he can perform at international level, and these qualifiers could be another opportunity for him to establish himself as one of Bafana’s defensive leaders.
For the second position, I would give Thabang Matuludi the opportunity to step into the right-back role vacated by Mudau. Matuludi was part of South Africa’s 2026 World Cup defensive group and offers defensive discipline, energy and the ability to contribute going forward. The national team will need a defender who can provide balance on the right while allowing the central defenders to remain compact.
There are also other strong options available, including Khulumani Ndamane, Samukele Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Olwethu Makhanya. South Africa’s World Cup squad showed that the country has encouraging defensive depth beyond its established starters.
Ultimately, my preferred combination would be Ime Okon and Thabang Matuludi to step into the starting XI. Okon can provide stability in the centre, while Matuludi can help fill the huge void at right-back.
Bafana cannot afford defensive uncertainty in these qualifiers. The matches against Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya will demand concentration, organisation and consistency. With the right selections, these injuries can become an opportunity for the next generation of defenders to prove they belong at international level.
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