2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Doctor Khumalo defends Mbekezeli Mbokazi who 'took one for the team' as Orlando Pirates defender will miss Bafana Bafana's swim-or-sink clash with Rwanda after red card against Zimbabwe

Bafana Bafana finished their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe with 10 men following a red card to central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

The 20-year-old was involved in an altercation with Zimbabwe winger Tawanda Maswanhise in stoppage time.

South Africa legend Doctor Khumalo has weiged in on the red card incident, talking about how Mbokazi should have handled his emotions.

“He took one for the team,” said Khumalo as per iDiski Times.
“He’s been ruffled and he wants to push – that I don’t condone, because it’s retaliation.  This boy provoked the situation. Can you see what the captain did, he said play on. But he did that because he was so angry in such a way because he wanted the game to go on.  
“Yes, I know. Yes, he retaliated and it’s a bookable offence. He has to take it and he took is for the team also," added the Kaizer Chiefs legend.  
“If you are in there, it’s so difficult… Your emotions, everything that is happening on the field. You know we have to win the game and somebody is provoking you, he’s destabilising you and this is what happens.”

Coach Hugo Broos will now be forced to plan for their next match without Mbokazi in mind.

Bafana head to Mbombela where they host Rwanda on Tuesday in a match victory is non-negotiable.

Already without Ime Okon and Siyabonga Ngezana, Broos will have to choose between Malibongwe Khoza and Khulumane Ndamane to partner Nkosinathi Sibisi at the heart of defence.

Broos will be hoping Mbokazi's absence will not be felt against Rwanda, who, like Zimbabwe and Lesotho, are already out of contention to qualify for the World Cup.

The suspension of the Buccaneers star came at a critical moment of these qualifiers.