Mbokazi's World Cup Qualifier Nightmare: Fine & Ban!
Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, once hailed as one of South Africa's brightest football prospects, has found himself in hot water with FIFA following a red card incident in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. The incident, which occurred late in the second half of the goalless match, saw Mbokazi dismissed after a tussle with Warriors attacker Tawanda Maswanhise.
FIFA has now taken disciplinary action against the 20-year-old, citing "unsporting behaviour." This has resulted in a hefty fine of R108,000 and a one-match ban for the young defender. He already served the ban by missing Bafana Bafana's final qualifying match against Rwanda.
According to FIFA, Mbokazi was charged under Article 14.1.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which addresses "Misconduct of players and officials, unsporting behaviour towards an opponent or a person other than a match official." Zimbabwe forward Knowledge Musona received a similar punishment after also being red-carded in the same match.
Mbokazi's rise to prominence has been meteoric, with a professional debut for the Buccaneers in March 2025 and a Bafana Bafana call-up just three months later. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline on the pitch, especially during emotionally charged games.
While Bafana Bafana has yet to release an official statement, sources suggest they are unlikely to appeal the ruling and will instead focus on supporting Mbokazi in learning from the experience. The incident underscores the need for players to control their emotions and avoid reckless challenges that could impact their team's performance.
This incident serves as a valuable lesson for Mbokazi, highlighting the importance of composure and discipline in high-stakes matches. It also demonstrates FIFA's commitment to upholding fair play standards and holding players accountable for their actions on the field.