A harsh lesson for a rising star: FIFA fines Bafana defender after red card in South Africa’s World Cup qualifier! | OneFootball

Bafana defender handed R108000 fine and one match ban after red card vs Zimbabwe

A harsh lesson for a rising star: FIFA fines Bafana defender after red card in South Africa’s World Cup qualifier!

FIFA fined Orlando Pirates & Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi R108000 and issued one match suspension following his red card for unsporting behaviour in South Africa’s recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.

Mbokazi 20 was dismissed late in 2nd half after heated altercation with Tawanda Maswanhise prompting FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee to review the incident under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code which covers "misconduct & unsporting behaviour toward opponent or any person other than match official"

The ruling means the youngster missed South Africa’s final qualifier against Rwanda, with FIFA citing the need "to uphold fair-play standards".

Despite the setback, insiders within the national team confirm there will be no appeal, with coach Hugo Broos urging the player to learn from the experience.

Mbokazi is expected to feature in South Africa’s AFCON 2025 squad in Morocco and remains one of the country’s brightest prospects for European move.

Club coach Abdeslam Ouaddou recently explained his decision to rest the youngster during the mid-week win over Golden Arrows stressing the importance of protecting players amid congested fixture list.