Hyballa saddened by Mokwana’s exit

Sekhukhune United coach, Peter Hyballa, has expressed sadness over the loss of Bafana Bafana winger, Elias Mokwana to Tunisian giants, Esperance de Tunis.

Mokwana joined four-time African champions on a three-year deal, which reportedly set the club back by R7.3 million in transfer fees.

Esperance warded off competition from Kaizer Chiefs for the 24-year-old’s services.

Hyballa says he will now focus on the players he has at his disposal.

“No, we worked a short time together but he’s a wonderful player. He’s a wonderful person but I wish him good luck in another country because he deserves this. Also, Sekhukhune United did a good job and you are always sad that a player is leaving but I’m focused now on the players I have,” says the Sekhukhune United coach.

Hyballa will take charge of Babina Noko’s first match on Saturday in the MTN8 Quarter-final against Cape Town City in Polokwane.

Mokwana played in 35 matches for Babina Noko across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing five assists.

“I hope he comes in the first 11 and maybe he can also do the next step in two, three years. Maybe he can even go to Europe, he’s a wonderful winger,” he added.

Mokwana made his international debut earlier this year, scoring in the first game against Andorra and also contributing an assist against Algeria.

He also played in the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, respectively.