Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Voices Concern Over Orlando Pirates Star Relebohile Mofokeng

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has expressed concern over Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng, who was named in the squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

Mofokeng has struggled to make a significant impact this season, recording no goals or assists in seven appearances for the Buccaneers. Despite this, Broos has maintained faith in the 20-year-old, calling him up for the crucial qualifiers during the current FIFA international break, running from September 1 to 10.

Speaking after announcing the final 23-man squad, Broos explained his reasoning while acknowledging Mofokeng’s dip in form.

“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,” Broos said.

The Belgian coach stressed that dropping Mofokeng could be damaging for his confidence but insisted the player must improve in the coming weeks.

“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 added.

Broos highlighted that ongoing transfer speculation has affected Mofokeng’s performances.

“He has excuses, 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. 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,” Broos said.

Mofokeng missed Pirates’ last two matches due to a minor injury but was on the substitutes’ bench against Chippa United on Sunday. He is expected to join the Bafana camp at Dobsonville Stadium on Monday afternoon ahead of the qualifiers.

Bafana Bafana face Lesotho at Free State Stadium on Friday, followed by a home clash against Nigeria next Tuesday, both scheduled for 18:00. The matches provide an opportunity for Mofokeng to regain form and prove his value on the international stage.