World Cup blow for Bafana as top defender stays on the sidelines

South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup have suffered a significant setback, with key centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana’s fitness for the tournament now in serious doubt.

The FCSB defender was absent from his Romanian club’s match this past weekend, extending a worrying spell on the sidelines. Ngezana, 28, has played just 14 minutes of competitive football since January 29, making his selection for the national team highly improbable.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is known for his strict policy of selecting only players who are getting regular game time at their clubs. The potential absence of Ngezana, a regular starter during the World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, would be a major blow to the team’s defensive experience.

Height disadvantage for available centre-backs

Siyabonga Ngezana could miss the World Cup for Bafana Bafana. — Siyabonga Ngezana playing for Bafana Bafana. Image: Icon Sports

The former Kaizer Chiefs star brings valuable top-level experience, having competed in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League with his Bucharest-based club.

While South Africa has other options, they lack international seasoning. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, despite being a popular choice and a near-certain starter in the World Cup opener against Mexico on June 11, has only earned 10 caps.

It is likely he will be partnered with his former Orlando Pirates teammate, Nkosinathi Sibisi, who has 20 caps. However, this pairing presents a physical disadvantage, as both players stand at 1.77 metres (5ft 8in), a stark contrast to Ngezana’s 1.88m frame.

Who could replace Ngezana at World Cup?

Bafana Bafana defender Khulumani Ndamane. — Bafana Bafana defender Khulumani Ndamane could benefit from Siyabonga Ngezana’s absence. Image: SAFA

This height issue could open the door for other contenders. Mamelodi Sundowns’ Khulumani Ndamane (five caps) and Ime Okon (seven caps) are both taller options. Okon, who stands at 1.87m, has been a defensive mainstay for Hannover 96 in their push for promotion from Germany’s Bundesliga II.

Ideally, Broos would have preferred to enter the tournament with a central defensive pairing boasting over 40 caps each. The coach’s preferred partnership from the recent Cup of Nations featured Ngezana and Mbokazi, but with the former’s fitness uncertain, the team’s defence could become a vulnerable point.