{
  "id": 9320803,
  "title": "Hlatshwayo on Bafana’s defenders – ‘The future looks great’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/hlatshwayo-on-bafanas-defenders-the-future-looks-great",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T11:03:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/hlatshwayo-bafana-defenders-future-looks-great/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Thulani Hlatshwayo is confident that Pitso Mosimane's young centre backs have a promising future. Mosimane, who takes charge of Bafana Bafana in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier against Guinea, currently lacks the injured Mbekezeli Mbokazi. However, Hlatshwayo highlights the presence of Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya, Lebone Seema, and Samukele Kabini as strong assets for the team. He believes that these players, who have gained valuable experience playing overseas in Europe and America, will positively impact Bafana Bafana's performance. Hlatshwayo praises the exposure and development these young defenders have received, stating that it will benefit the team in the long run.",
  "summary": "'Not only are they good, but there is the future with them because they're very strong and young,' Hlatshwayo told sportsboom.co.za.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}