Pitso Mosimane could have a difficult decision to make when Bafana Bafana return to Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action in November.
South Africa are scheduled to face 2027 AFCON co-hosts Kenya twice during the international window, with the first encounter taking place on 13 November before the return fixture in Kenya four days later.
Bafana Make Strong Start Under Mosimane
Mosimane has enjoyed an impressive beginning to his latest spell in charge of Bafana Bafana, securing victories in each of his opening two AFCON qualifiers.
South Africa opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea before producing an emphatic 5-0 win against Eritrea on Wednesday night.
The results have given the coach a positive platform, but they have also created competition for places within his squad.
Defensive Partnership Has Emerged
One of the biggest selection questions surrounds the centre-back positions.
Time Okon and Olwethu Makhanya were given opportunities in the recent qualifiers and both players strengthened their claims for continued involvement in the starting XI.
Their performances have given Mosimane another combination to consider ahead of the crucial meetings with Kenya.
Mbokazi’s Return Complicates the Picture
The situation could become even more complicated with Mbekezeli Mbokazi continuing his recovery and moving closer to a return to full match fitness.
Mbokazi has established himself as an important member of the Bafana Bafana setup, meaning his availability could force Mosimane to reconsider the defensive pairing that delivered positive results in the previous two matches.
The defender’s return therefore presents the coach with a choice between restoring an established player and retaining a partnership that has recently shown promise.
Makhanya Stakes His Claim
Makhanya appears to have made the most of his opportunity since being introduced into the team.
His emergence means Mosimane now has additional depth at centre-back, with performances rather than reputation potentially playing a bigger role in determining who starts.
Okon has also benefited from the opportunity to feature, adding further competition in an area where Mosimane previously had fewer obvious combinations.
Sibisi and Ndamane Face Increased Competition
The emergence of Okon and Makhanya could have consequences for other defenders competing for places.
Nkosinathi Sibisi and Khulumani Ndamane may find themselves further down the pecking order if Mosimane decides to maintain the newer defensive options.
However, the situation could change again once Mbokazi is fully fit and available for selection.
Kenya Double-Header Will Test Mosimane’s Choices
The two matches against Kenya will provide another important examination of Mosimane’s defensive preferences.
With the fixtures taking place only four days apart, squad depth could also prove significant as the coach manages his players across both encounters.
The first meeting will be played in South Africa on 13 November, followed by the return fixture in Kenya on Tuesday, 17 November.
Who Gets the Starting Role?
Mbokazi’s return leaves Mosimane with a straightforward but difficult question: which defender should make way if the established centre-back is ready to reclaim his position?
Makhanya’s recent performances have strengthened his case, while Okon’s involvement has added another option for the coach.
With the Kenya fixtures approaching, the battle for the centre-back positions could become one of the most closely watched selection decisions in the Bafana Bafana squad.
