Johannesburg – Bafana Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele says the clash between head coach Hugo Broos and young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been resolved, easing tensions ahead of South Africa’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. The development comes as the squad wraps up its preparations, a matter closely followed by many football supporters in Eswatini who track the progress of regional rivals heading to major continental tournaments.
The dispute surfaced earlier in the week when Broos criticised the 20 year old Orlando Pirates player for arriving late to camp after missing his flight from Durban to Johannesburg. The Belgian mentor questioned the defender’s professionalism and even cast doubt on his upcoming move to Chicago Fire FC in the United States.
Mkhalele addressed the matter during Bafana’s farewell event at FNB Stadium on Thursday and said the team had dealt with the issue behind closed doors. He noted that the focus now rests on ensuring a united squad as the team travels to Morocco for the competition.
Mbokazi has enjoyed a rapid rise this season, having been promoted from the DStv Diski Challenge side in March. The KwaZulu Natal born centre back was appointed vice captain at the start of the 2025 to 2026 season and has been central to Pirates strong run. He has already featured in 20 matches in all competitions, scoring once, assisting another and contributing to the club’s MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup triumphs.
He is expected to complete his move to Chicago Fire after the tournament. For now, the national team’s technical staff appear intent on keeping the camp stable as the squad prepares for a demanding AFCON campaign.
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