Mokoena’s box-to-box energy and goal threat from midfield have made him a vital figure in the national team. There is no direct like-for-like replacement in the current squad. Orlando Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha, perhaps the closest option, is also sidelined, while Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebo Maboe withdrew from the camp early with an injury of his own.
Assuming Yaya Sithole starts and Mosimane retains his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, the leading contender appears to be Bathusi Aubaas.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has 18 caps and offers physical presence. However, he is stylistically similar to Sithole, and pairing the two would create a more defensive midfield unit. Aubaas was introduced late against Guinea as Mosimane sought to protect a lead. He has two goals and five assists in 159 top-flight appearances.
Another option is Brooklyn Poggenpoel, who has one cap from the 2024 COSAFA Cup. The Durban City player has enjoyed a solid start to the season and offers slightly more mobility, though he lacks Aubaas’s physicality. With one goal and four assists in 108 top-flight games, he is more likely to be considered from the bench.
Mosimane is not known for taking unnecessary risks, particularly in an away qualifier, even against a side of Eritrea’s standing. Aubaas therefore appears the most probable starter as Bafana look to build on their opening win over Guinea.