New Bafana Bafana coach must replace three stars before AFCON 2027

South Africa’s next Bafana Bafana coach will have to rebuild parts of the team before the AFCON 2027 qualifiers after three important players were ruled out. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau will miss the opening matches against Guinea and Eritrea next month.

Mbokazi, who plays for Chicago Fire, has sustained a serious tear to his left thigh. Mokoena is unavailable with an ankle problem, while Mudau is feared to have suffered an Achilles tendon tear. The extent of Mudau’s injury could result in a lengthy absence.

The losses affect several areas of the squad. Mokoena has become a significant presence in midfield for both Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team. Mudau has regularly filled the right-back position, while Mbokazi’s injury leaves the incoming coach with fewer defensive options.

South Africa will open the qualification campaign against Guinea before Eritrea visits in the following fixture. The second match will be played at home. Those games will arrive in September, giving the new coach limited time to settle on replacements and introduce a tactical approach.

The vacant coaching position adds to the uncertainty around the squad. Pitso Mosimane had been regarded as a leading contender for the role, but attention has shifted towards Gustavo Poyet, the former Chelsea and Uruguay midfielder. The appointment has not yet been finalised.

The new coach will need to look to the Betway Premiership and South Africans based abroad for alternatives to the injured trio. The task will involve filling the three positions while preparing a team capable of starting the qualification campaign strongly. SAFA is also under pressure to complete the appointment soon enough for the coach to work with the squad before the September matches.