Elias Mokwana credits Saudi move for Bafana return | OneFootball

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Mokwana credits Saudi for career resurgence

Photo: Elias Mokwana

Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana has credited his move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hazem after earning a recall to the South African national team following a prolonged absence.

The 26-year-old sealed a transfer to the oil-rich kingdom on a season-long loan with an option to buy from Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis after he was deemed surplus to requirements.

Mokwana rediscovered his form in Saudi and has been named in Hugo Broos' final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad, thanks to the loan move.

“It wasn't easy at first because we all know when I got to Esperance things didn't go as I expected. But when I made the move to Al-Hazem, I think I started to handle myself a little bit better,” said the former Sekhukhune United talisman.

"I was training well and the coach [Jalel Kadri] also was encouraging me each and everyday and he also believed in me that's why I'm starting to pick up my form again.

Mokwana made an honest admission that at some point he felt like the door was closed for him in the national team after months in isolation.

“I think I did lose some hope at some point, but with my coach I think I had hope, he gave me hope. He was working with me extra sessions [in training]. He always believed in me and he told me that I will get back into this team,” he added.

Bafana have been pitted in Group B with record seven-time African champions Egypt, Angola, and neighbors Zimbabwe, with the tournament scheduled to begin on 21 December.