Broos finds Mbokazi’s replacement for crucial World Cup qualifier tie

Hugo Broos has wasted no time in plugging the defensive gap left by the suspension of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, calling up Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane ahead of Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

The Orlando Pirates star was automatically ruled out of the must-win clash with the Amavubi after receiving his marching orders late in the frustrating goalless draw against neighbours Zimbabwe on Friday. That disappointing result, which saw South Africa drop two crucial points, means Bafana Bafana are now two points adrift of Group C leaders, Benin.

Moloisane Returns In Place of Mbokazi for Do-or-Die Match

In a rapid move, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos confirmed that Moloisane will join the squad as a direct replacement for the suspended centre-back.

Thabo Moloisane has just arrived in the Bafana Bafana camp in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. He arrived minutes after Bafana Bafana landed from Durban this afternoon. He replaces then suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport @flysaa pic.twitter.com/Itkw7cAZIw

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 11, 2025

Moloisane is a familiar face in the national setup, having been part of the squad last month. The hard-tackling defender, who was nominated for the Betway Premiership Defender of the Season, was initially included in Broos’s preliminary list but did not make the final 23-man squad. Now, he links up with the team, joining Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, and Malibongwe Khoza as the team’s centre-back options for the final group match.

The call-up was confirmed by Moloisane’s agency, P Management, via social media: “Thabo Moloisane joins Bafana Bafana in preparation for the match vs Rwanda on Tuesday.”

Broos Juggles Setbacks

The replacement of Mbokazi is just the latest in a series of enforced changes for Broos, highlighting the challenges facing the squad as they pursue a spot at the global showpiece in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

The Belgian coach has been forced to make several late adjustments in recent weeks due to injuries and suspensions. These include summoning Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala after Relebohile Mofokeng was injured, and bringing in Evidence Makgopa following Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners’ withdrawal for medical reasons.

The loss of Mbokazi, who has been a key figure for both club and country since breaking into the Pirates’ senior team, is a major blow as Bafana Bafana aim to collect maximum points against Rwanda and hope for a favourable result in the simultaneous clash between Nigeria and Benin. The team now needs a flawless performance, a win for Nigeria, and a significant goal difference swing to secure automatic qualification.