Mbokazi’s return to action is another boost for South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of their home-and-away 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya next month.

Mosimane will still be on a high after three wins from three in the current international window against Guinea (2-1), Eritrea (5-0) and Egypt (1-0) in a friendly.

Mbokazi was expected to be out for the remainder of the year when he first injured his thigh, but the 21-year-old has made a quicker-than-expected recovery and has now played his second match since returning.

After featuring in the 1-0 win over Charlotte at the end of last month, he backed it up with another fine performance against Vancouver to prove both his form and fitness.

While Ime Okon and the combination of Lebone Seema and Olwethu Makhanya did well in the recent games, there is no doubt that Mbokazi is Bafana Bafana’s best defender and should come back into the team if fit against Kenya.

He made 10 clearances, six recoveries and five interceptions against Vancouver, and won six of his eight duels.

Winger Puso Dithejane, fresh off the plane following his winning goal against Egypt, came on as a second half substitute.