Former Kaizer Chiefs target reacts to Bafana return & challenges abroad

South Africa have intensified their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), to be held in Morocco.

Among those players who have the privilege to represnt the nation is former Kaizer Chiefs target Elias Mokwana who missed recent outings owing to struggles for stability at the club level.

However, he is now settled at Al Hazem which has seen him get playtime regularly as opposed to Esperance, a team he joined from Sekhukhune United in August 2024.

The versatile winger is now enjoying his football again, explaining why has been included in Hugo Broos’ team at AFCON. Bafana Bafana are in Group B with Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe.

I wasn’t having a great form

“I was really happy when I received the call-up, I was really happy because it’s been a while. I wasn’t having a great form but I’m grateful to be back and to help the team,” Mokwana told the media.

“It wasn’t easy at first [leaving South Africa], we know when I got to Esperance, things didn’t go as expected,” added Mokwana.

“But I made a move to Al Hazem, I think started to handle myself a little bit better, training well and the coach also was encouraging me each and everyday, that’s why I guess, I’m starting to pick up my form again,” he concluded.

Bafana Bafana team for AFCON

Bafana Bafana continue to put in the work at the HPC in Pretoria.#BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @HonorAfrica @Shield_ZA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/eCRya3xWwi

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 11, 2025

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City], Khulumani Ndamane [TS Galaxy], Mbekezile Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi [both Orlando Pirates], Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers].

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates),  Siphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela).

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (AL Ettifaq], Lyle Foster (Burnley FC), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge) and Elias Mokwane (AL Hazem).

Standby players: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC).