Elias Mokwana is a dynamic South African winger known for his explosive pace and direct attacking style. Currently plying his trade with Al Hazem in the Saudi Pro League, the 26-year-old forward has rapidly ascended from the lower tiers of South African football to competing on the international stage. His journey reflects a relentless work ethic and a knack for making an impact in the final third.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elias Sepho Mokwana |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Date of Birth | 8 September 1999 |
| Latest Club | Al Hazem |
| Shirt Number | 17 |
| Position | Right Winger |
| Market Value | €700k (Estimate) |
Electric pace and relentless dribbling
Mokwana operates primarily as a traditional touchline winger who thrives on isolating defenders and creating chaotic situations in the box.
- ⚡ Explosive Speed: Possesses searing acceleration that allows him to beat full-backs to the byline or latch onto through balls in transition.
- 🪄 1v1 Dribbling: uses quick feet and body feints to unbalance opponents, often cutting inside to shoot or delivering dangerous crosses.
- 🛡️ Defensive Work Rate: Unlike many forwards, he diligently tracks back to support his full-back, a trait that endeared him to coaches at Sekhukhune and Esperance.
- 🎯 Directness: Prefers driving straight at goal rather than recycling possession, constantly looking to force errors from the opposition defence.
Career journey
From the dusty pitches of the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the bright lights of the Saudi Pro League, Mokwana’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. His path demonstrates how quickly talent can be recognized when combined with consistency and raw ability.
Rising through the South African ranks
Mokwana first caught the eye at Platinum City Rovers, where his performances in the National First Division showcased a player ready for the top flight. His raw speed and fearlessness attracted interest from Premiership clubs. Sekhukhune United won the race for his signature in 2022, providing him with the platform to test himself against South Africa’s elite defenders.
At Sekhukhune, he became a tactical pivot for the team’s counter-attacking system. He consistently tormented defences with his ability to carry the ball long distances. His contributions were vital in helping the club secure high league finishes and reach cup finals, performances that inevitably drew attention from continental giants.
North African adventure and Saudi move
In August 2024, Mokwana sealed a high-profile move to Tunisian powerhouse Espérance de Tunis. Adapting to the physical and tactical demands of North African football tested his maturity. While he showed flashes of brilliance and contributed to their campaign, the intense competition for foreign spots led to a new opportunity in the Middle East.
By the 2025/26 season, he had joined Al Hazem in Saudi Arabia on loan. This move placed him in a league brimming with global superstars. Mokwana wasted little time integrating, using his pace to stretch defences in a highly competitive environment, further cementing his status as one of South Africa’s most exciting exports.
| Team (Appea.) | G/A/YC/RC |
|---|---|
| Sekhukhune United (65) | 6/7/7/0 |
| Espérance de Tunis (38) | 7/4/4/0 |
| Al Hazem (11) | 1/2/3/0 |
| Platinum City Rovers (25) | 4/N/A/N/A |
International impact with Bafana Bafana
Elias Mokwana’s international career with South Africa has been characterized by impactful cameo appearances and growing influence. He was part of the squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON. His debut against Andorra in early 2024 marked the arrival of a player capable of offering Hugo Broos a different dimension on the wing.
He continued to feature in key qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco. His speed remains a crucial asset for Bafana Bafana against high-pressing African teams. Playing alongside established stars like Ronwen Williams, Mokwana has settled into the national setup, often used as an impact player to exploit tiring defences late in matches.
| Competition (Stage) | MP (Goal) |
|---|---|
| AFCON 2023 (Bronze Medal) | 2 (0) |
| FIFA Series 2024 (Friendly) | 2 (1) |
| AFCON 2025 (Group Stage) | 3 (0) |
Clubs journey timeline
Mokwana’s trajectory highlights a player constantly seeking higher levels of competition. From the NFD to the CAF Champions League and now the Saudi Pro League, his passport is filling up as fast as his sprint statistics.
He remains contracted to Espérance de Tunis while making his mark in Saudi Arabia, leaving his long-term future an exciting topic for supporters back home.
| Years | Club |
|---|---|
| 2021 – 2022 | Platinum City Rovers |
| 2022 – 2024 | Sekhukhune United |
| 2024 – Present | Espérance de Tunis |
| 2025 – Present | Al Hazem (Loan) |