Bafana Bafana faces setback with main defender still out just weeks before World Cup

This situation leaves the 28 year old, a consistent starter during the World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, with just 14 minutes of action since 29 January.

As a result, he stands little chance of selection by Bafana Bafana manager Hugo Broos, who prioritises players gaining regular game time for inclusion in his squad.

The loss impacts the teams depth in high level experience, given the ex Kaizer Chiefs players involvement in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League during his time with the Romanian side.

While alternatives exist to fill his role, they lack substantial international exposure.

Current favourite Mbekezeli Mbokazi holds only 10 caps for South Africa, yet he remains a certain starter versus Mexico on 11 June.

His previous Orlando Pirates colleague Nkosinathi Sibisi, with 20 appearances, may partner him, offering some familiarity, though both are relatively compact central defenders at 1.77 metres or 5 feet 8 inches tall, far from optimal. Ngezana measures 1.88 metres by contrast.

This could open spots for Mamelodi Sundowns centre back Khulumani Ndamane, who has 5 internationals, or Ime Okon with 7, currently at Hannover 96 in Germanys second tier Bundesliga.

Both exceed 6 feet in height, Okon reaching 1.87 metres, and he has anchored his team solidly amid their promotion push this campaign.

However, Broos preference would involve entering the event with a duo boasting over 40 caps each.

Such limitations might expose a vulnerability, especially since Broos favoured pairing from the Nations Cup featured Ngezana alongside Mbokazi.