In recent months, Orlando Pirates have sold two of their gems, and another has been tipped to follow in their footsteps soon. Despite the fact he is one of the most promising South African stars, Mofokeng is yet to seal a big move. It started with Nkota before Mbokazi followed suit, but what is holding back President Yama 2000 has been explained.
The subject of whether the Bafana Bafana defender should have waited to play in AFCON first before choosing his next club has been quite a hot topic. Broos was the first one to publicly question the move to the Major Soccer League. According to the experienced tactician, Mbokazi should have at least waited to play in the AFCON and World Cup finals before considering a move.
In 2017, the Belgian lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions. Years later, he inherited a struggling South African side and reshaped it into a force that secured consecutive AFCON berths, including the 2025 edition in Morocco, while also steering Bafana Bafana onto the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos took with him to the continental tournament forwards who have not been much prolific at their clubs. But he would be hoping his team will not face some attacking frailties in Morocco which could affect their campaign. The Belgian also banks on attacking midfielders and wingers who can cause problems for opponents on their day.
South Africa have been drawn in Group B at AFCON, where they will renew COSAFA rivalries with Zimbabwe and Angola while also facing continental heavyweights Egypt. Navigating past this seemingly demanding pool would be crucial as South Africa chase a first AFCON title in 30 years.
The 25-year-old has continued to face questions over whether he can truly lead South Africa’s attack at the continental competition out in Morocco. Makgopa remains among the top scorers for Pirates this season, yet his inconsistent form at international level has left sections of supporters uncertain about his impact.
The coach can now breathe a sigh of relief over an injury case that should have probably given him sleepless nights days before the continental finals begin. The Orlando Pirates star was involved against Ghana in South Africa's last friendly game and suffered a kick on his leg, which forced him to seek treatment. The former Polokwane City star has been a key player for Broos, and his absence would have dealt the coach a huge blow.
South Africa head into the Morocco finals buoyant after winning their last two friendly games against Zambia and Ghana. The 1996 champions are also among the continent's World Cup representatives next year, which means they have an extra reason to believe they are among the best teams. However, their AFCON preparations have been affected by off-pitch issues, mainly Hugo Broos' comments on Mbekezeli Mbokazi, although the coach apologised later.
South African football has never been short on opinions, outrage or drama - but as Bafana Bafana march toward the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, the noise around the Belgian has reached a fever pitch. From squad selection debates to player controversies, the veteran coach remains unshaken.
South Africa are set to leave the country for Morocco to take part in the biennial continental competition that will run from December 21 to January 18. A total of 24 teams will be competing for the crown, where the Belgian's men are aiming at going all the way for the first time since 1996 when they hosted it.
It was not an easy match for the AFCON-bound Bafana, and it took them close to one hour to break the deadlock. It took a magical move by Orlando Pirates star Sipho Mbule for South Africa to find a way past the Black Galaxies. Ghana's game strategy has been hailed as working perfectly and helped expose Bafana's weaknesses ahead of the Morocco finals.
The Amakhosi player is considered one of the promising stars in the country, and he has now attracted interest from another Premier Soccer League rival. Given the competition from more experienced options at the club, the youngster has been unable to break into the first team, and a move to another top-flight outfit could give him the necessary exposure. With the January window set to open, eyes will be keen to see whether Chiefs will consider selling or loaning the star.
Football lovers in the country are hopeful their team can deliver as anticipated in the forthcoming biennial competition that will be staged in North Africa. In the initial campaign in Ivory Coast, the 73-year-old Belgian tactician defied the odds to help the country finish in podium positions. It explains the high expectations in the forthcoming campaign.
For South Africa, the duel carried more weight, as it is their final friendly game before heading to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. For Ghana, who will not be part of the AFCON competition, the match was meant to sharpen them for the African Nations Championship qualifiers. With some players not available yet, Hugo Broos gave stars like Ricardo Goss and Khulumani Ndamane starting chances.
As days progress towards the continental finals, the Bafana camp has been hit with a number of issues, mainly off-pitch ones. Hugo Broos has also had to prepare for AFCON with a squad without all players summoned because they are still attached to their clubs. However, the Mamelodi Sundowns star is confident Bafana will overcome all these issues and fully concentrate on the job ahead.
As the experienced tactician is preparing his players for the continental finals, his selections continue to be placed under scrutiny. There was noise when players like Thembinkosi Lorch were snubbed, but Broos has always defended his decision. Now, his squad has been described as unbalanced and a disgrace to the country just days before the finals begin in Morocco.
