Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has opened up about his concerns over Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, who has been included in the latest squad to face Lesotho and Nigeria.
Mofokeng has had a quieter start to the season by his high standards, yet to score a goal or register an assist in seven appearances.
Despite this, Broos has stuck to his guns and called up the 20-year-old for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to be played within the current FIFA international break (September 1-10).
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Speaking to the media shortly after the final 23-squad announcement last week, the Belgian tactician explained why he is keeping faith in the PSL Young Player of the Season, though he expressed concern.
"I think for the moment, it’s a bit too much for him, all this interest from teams – and he’s going there, then he’s not going, and you see that in his performances. He’s not playing at the same level he played before," offered Broos.
"I can’t do what I maybe have to do and say okay, I’ll (drop him). That would kill him, and I won’t do that. But, Rele has to know also, even if he’s Rele Mofokeng, that in the next weeks and months, he has to be better again.
"He has excuses (reasons), even though they are saying he says no (he is fine), you can’t get that out of your head. And it’s not two weeks, it’s been two, three months of this. As a player, if you’re going, then not going, then I’m going, then I’m not going... it’s not good.
"So, let’s hope that problem is solved as soon as possible and that Rele knows he’s staying one more year at Pirates or that he gets a transfer,” he went on.
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Mofokeng has missed Bucs’ last two matches due to a slight injury but made it to the substitutes’ bench against Chippa United on Sunday.
The highly rated winger is expected to be part of the squad that reports for the Bafana camp at Dobsonville Stadium on Monday afternoon.
Bafana take on Lesotho at Free State Stadium on Friday, then host Nigeria next week Tuesday at the same venue (both at 18:00).
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
