Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana has expressed his happiness about returning to the national team setup ahead of AFCON and opened up about the challenges he faced at Esperance.
Mokwana joined Esperance in August 2024 ahead of the new season and was regarded as one of Hugo Broos’ key players at the time.
However, limited game time at the Tunisian club saw him fall out of the national team setup, missing several important Bafana fixtures.
After securing a move to Al Hazem in the Saudi Pro League this season, he rediscovered his form and became a regular starter for his side.
Mokwana says he was delighted to receive the AFCON call-up, especially after being away from the Bafana squad for some time.
“I was really happy when I received the call-up, I was really happy because it’s been a while,” said Mokwana.
“I wasn’t having a great form but I’m grateful to be back and to help the team.”
Mokwana admits that his time away from South Africa has been tough, as things at Esperance didn’t unfold the way he had hoped.
“It wasn’t easy at first [leaving SA], we know when I got to Esperance, things didn’t go as expected,” added Mokwana.
“But I made a move to Al Hazem, I think started to handle myself a little bit better, training well and the coach also was encouraging me each and everyday, that’s why I guess, I’m starting to pick up my form again.”