Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos recently revealed his excitement at the array of options he now has in central defence with the emergence of a number of youngsters.
The veteran tactician had been lamenting the lack of left-footed centre-backs early in his stint but that is now sorted while he has spoken about his aging defence ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
However, Broos will be happy to learn that he has several options he can choose from and they are young, enabling him to reduce the average age.
Ime Okon
SuperSport United’s 21-year-old Ime Okon is one of the options available to coach Broos as he looks to reduce the average age of his defence.
Okon has been a key component of Gavin Hunt’s team, featuring in 18 matches across all competitions, and has already attracted interest from clubs abroad.
The defender had trials with Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv in January and there are reports that two other clubs have made him a key target and will likely leave Matsatsantsa for Europe at the end of this season.
Malibongwe Khoza
Mamelodi Sundowns’ 20-year-old Malibongwe Khoza is in his first full professional season but already looks at home.
The defender has made 24 appearances for the Brazilians this term and looked assured. He looks to be the man set to take over at the club when the likes of Grant Kekana finally exit the stage.
Khoza has seen his playing time reduced since the midseason signing of Lucas Suarez but he remains an important player for the club and it could soon be the same for the national team.
Khulumani Ndamane
TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane had already earned a national team call-up but a lack of passport locked him out of Broos’ final squad.
The 20-year-old was among younger options that Broos was looking at to help reduce the average age of his aging defence but he missed out for lacking the necessary travel document ahead of the games against Lesotho and Benin.
He has since acquired the passport but it was too late. However, having received the nod, it will not be long before the left-footed player dons the Bafana jersey.
Samukelo Kabini
Another TS Galaxy player, 21-year-old Samukelo Kabini is already on his way to Norwegian giants Molde for a club record R15 million.
Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi has waxed lyrical about the qualities of the player, who he feels is ripe for a Bafana Bafana call-up, and having starred for the Rockets, playing in 24 games across all competitions this season, he heads to Norway with substantial experience.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Another left-footed centre-back option for Broos, Mbekezeli Mbokazi is the latest gem to be unearthed by Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro.
The 19-year-old has not looked out of place having just made his PSL debut this month.
Mbokazi has featured in Pirates’ last four games and was the star of the show against Mamelodi Sundowns when he was named Man of the Match as the Soweto giants secured a 2-1 victory.
If he maintains this form, Broos will find it difficult to overlook him for the remaining World Cup qualifiers as well as AFCON 2025.
