Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has defended Orlando Pirates assistant captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi for his late sending off against Zimbabwe.
The 20-year-old partnered Orlando Pirates teammate Nkosinathi Sibisi at the heart of the South African defense against the Warriors in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifier that was played on Friday evening at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Bafana Bafana desperately needed maximum points to stand a chance of advancing from their pool, but they were not clinical in front of the goal as chances went begging. Spoils were eventually shared, much to the frustration of Mzansi and the fans as well.
It got even worse in the added minutes as the dependable Mbokazi was sent off for two bookable offenses. However, South Africa legend Khumalo has defended the centre-back who will now miss the final group game against Rwanda on Tuesday.
Mbokazi took one for the team
“He took one for the team. He’s been ruffled, and he wants to push – that I don’t condone, because it’s retaliation,” he said during analysis on SABC Sport.
“This boy provoked the situation. Can you see what the captain did? He said play on, but he did that because he was so angry in such a way, because he wanted the game to go on. Yes, I know [As the captain of Pirates, he needs to understand the emotions of the game]. Yes, he retaliated, and it’s a bookable offence. He has to take it, and he took it for the team also.
If you are in there, it’s so difficult; your emotions, everything that is happening on the field. You know we have to win the game, and somebody is provoking you, he’s destabilising you, and this is what happens,” he concluded.
Bafana Bafana have to beat Rwanda in their final pool game, and hope Nigeria beat Benin, for them to qualify for the World Cup
