Former Bafana coach questions decision to leave Mbokazi on the bench

Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper coach Grant Johnson believes Mbekezeli Mbokazi would have made a difference had he featured against Kenya on Friday.

The 21-year-old defender was left on the bench as Bafana were held to a 2-2 draw by the Harambee Stars in their AFCON qualifier at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

A late goal from Kenya denied Pitso Mosimane‘s men all three points in what was a disappointing result for the hosts.

Speaking on SoccerBeat, Johnson felt Bafana were too casual at times, particularly when they were in the lead.

“I think in some instances we were a little bit too casual. Some of our passing was not as accurate as it should be, and we became a bit complacent, especially in the second half,” he said.

Mbokazi watched from the bench as Bafana were held

Asked whether Mbokazi’s inclusion could have prevented Kenya’s second goal, Johnson admitted it was difficult to say but made it clear that he rates the young defender highly.

“It’s a difficult one,” he said.

“He is our best defender by far. He just came back from injury, so that puts a spanner in the works.”

Mbokazi missed Bafana’s AFCON qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea due to injury. Johnson said him travelling from the US might have given Pitso Mosimane a reason to rest him.

“Also, the distance from America. We had quite a few players who struggled with the travel from America to here. It’s not just the distance, it’s the time zone difference as well. Your sleeping patterns are out, so you have to take all these things into consideration when selecting your team,” Johnson added.

“He is our best defender. I would have played him, but we don’t know what happens inside the camp and how he was feeling. I’m sure the coach asked how he was feeling.”

The former Bafana goalkeeper coach acknowledged that while he would have selected Mbokazi, there may have been factors behind Mosimane’s decision to start with Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon instead.