Elias Mokwana credits fresh start for his return to Bafana Bafana squad

Elias Mokwana has credited a change of scenery, environment, and a strong support structure for his return to the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Mokwana was one of three surprise inclusions — along with youngsters Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell — named by Bafana coach Hugo Broos in his final 25-man squad for the continental showpiece in Morocco.

The 26-year-old made his return to the national team after spending some time in the wilderness.

After moving to Esperance Tunis from Sekhukhune United last season, he was seen as one of the players Broos would rely on for international experience. And that proved true, with Mokwana playing a key role in the team’s back-to-back AFCON qualification.

However, limited game time and minimal contributions at the Tunisian giants saw Mokwana drop down the pecking order — both at Esperance and Bafana.

He then decided to leave Esperance on loan and join Al Hazem in the Saudi Arabian top flight. At his new club, Mokwana started slowly, but over time found his rhythm, prompting Broos to call him up for AFCON.

Speaking to the media during Bafana’s squad arrival press conference at the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre on Wednesday afternoon, the former Sekhukhune attacker explained how his fortunes turned around.

“It wasn’t easy at first,” Mokwana admitted. “When I got to Esperance, things didn’t go as I expected. But when I made the move to Al Hazem, I started to handle myself a little bit better.

“I was training well, and the coach there, Jalel Kadri, encouraged me every day and believed in me. That’s why, I guess, I was able to pick up form again.”

Mokwana counts himself blessed to have had someone like Kadri in his corner. During his absence from Bafana, he team made significant strides, including qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are drawn alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the play-off winners from Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, and the Republic of Ireland.

There has also been an infusion of new players, such as Sipho Mbule, while others — including Thembinkosi Lorch, who has been in top form for Wydad Casablanca — have been mentioned as potential AFCON call-ups.

“I think I did lose hope at some point,” Mokwana reflected on being sidelined. “But the coach revived my hope — he was working with me and doing extra sessions.

“He always believed in me and told me that I would get back into the team as long as I believed and continued to work hard.”

Although Mokwana has earned his place back in the Bafana fold, he knows he won’t simply walk into the starting lineup. In his position on the right wing, he faces stiff competition from Oswin Appollis, whom Broos regards as one of his most important players.

“I think Oswin has progressed a lot,” Broos said. “When I first saw him at his former team, Polokwane City, the qualities were there — but only offensively.

“He has improved more now that he’s playing at Orlando Pirates. I think he’s being coached well there by Abdeslam Ouaddou. I see him working — he’s working a lot.

“He’s dangerous on the ball, a good passer, and has become very important for Orlando Pirates and for Bafana. He’s scoring goals and is dangerous both on and off the ball.”