+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Thabo Moloisane and Hugo Broos, Bafana BafanaBackpage
Kiplagat Sang

Hugo Broos moves swiftly to replace Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi in Bafana Bafana squad ahead of must-win Rwanda match in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier

The Bucs star was automatically ruled out for the game against Amavubi after receiving his marching orders late against Zimbabwe. His booking was a double setback for Bafana, who were desperate to win and collect crucial qualifying points.

  • Moloisane called up

    Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has settled on Stellenbosch's Thabo Moloisane to replace suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. 

    The Orlando Pirates defender is ruled out for one game now after he was sent off during South Africa's World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on Friday.  

    • Advertisement
  • Thabo Moloisane, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    Moloisane comes in for do-or-die game

    Moloisane, a direct replacement in the matchday squad, now joins Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane and Malibongwe Khoza, who are Broos' centre-back options. 

    Moloisane is not a new face in the Bafana setup, as he has been part of the squad last month.   

  • Iqraam Rayners, Bafana Bafana, October 2024Backpagepix

    Broos faces injury and suspension setbacks

    This is yet another time that Broos has been forced to call other players after his first options were either ruled out by injuries or, now, suspension.

    The coach had to summon Kaizer Chiefs' Mduduzi Shabalala after Relebohile Mofokeng got injured during Pirates' Carling Knockout Cup duel against Siwelele.

    Later, Mamelodi Sundowns' Iqraam Rayners withdrew from the squad due to medical reasons, and Evidence Makgopa was summoned to fill the void. 

    Now Broos is set to face Rwanda without one of his key players after the Bucs' assistant captain was red-carded.

  • Bafana Bafana, October 2025Backpage

    Bruised Bafana set for Rwanda duel

    After dropping crucial points against Zimbabwe, Bafana must win against Rwanda and hope that Benin lose against Nigeria to book an automatic ticket to the global bonanza.

    South Africa will host Rwanda's Amavubi at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, while Benin travel to Uyo to face the Super Eagles for the high-stakes game.