Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has commented on the red card received by key defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the match against Zimbabwe.
Mbokazi was sent off late in the game after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession—in the 95th and 97th minutes—for lashing out at a Zimbabwean player twice.
This means the Orlando Pirates centre-back is now suspended and will miss Bafana’s final FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, 14 October.
Broos said he would not blame Mbokazi for his actions, recognising that the player’s intentions were in the nation’s best interest. He is confident that the youngster will learn from the mistake and mature.
“This shows also the mentality of Mbokazi, the guy got frustrated, he knew that with the result not coming, we would be in trouble,” said Broos.
“So, he was aggressive two times on the Zimbabwean player. That’s something that a young player does, so I don’t blame him for that.
“It’s something that he has to learn, he’s still 19 [20, sic] and this guy wants to win. You can see that in his way of playing.
“But that red card was not the reason why today we didn’t win the game.”
Broos has three players available to fill Mbokazi’s spot on Tuesday – Malibongwe Khoza, Khulumani Ndamane, and Samukelo Kabini.
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