Sipho Mbule or Relebohile Mofokeng for Bafana Bafana No 10 Role

With Mamelodi Sundowns’ veteran midfielder Themba Zwane sidelined due to injury, Bafana Bafana face a key decision for the creative No. 10 role behind the strikers. Orlando Pirates duo Sipho Mbule and Relebohile Mofokeng have emerged as primary options, each bringing distinct qualities to the position.

In the 2023 AFCON, Zwane excelled in the creative role due to his experience and unpredictability. With him unavailable for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, coach Hugo Broos has looked to Mbule and Mofokeng to fill the gap. While other midfielders such as Jayden Adams and Patrick Maswanganyi were considered, inconsistencies in form led Broos to rely on the two Pirates players.

Mbule made an immediate impact in Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 win over Ghana in the final warm-up match, scoring the decisive goal. Mofokeng was introduced later in the game and impressed with his movement and vision, even if he did not score.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune highlighted the differences between the two players. “Rele is more of a player who can pick a pass. There is a situation where Rele wanted to chip the ball to the far post instead of trying to take a shot. Mbule can take a shot, Rele can’t. Rele wants to collect, combine, get a touch and then pass,” Khune explained.

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana also praised Mofokeng for his mobility and intelligence on the ball. “He controls his body shape, moves to half spaces, occupies spaces that will hurt any number six,” Kekana said.

Coach Hugo Broos justified his selection of both players. “Mbule is experienced and can play in that position. We’ve been looking for a replacement for Themba for over a year. Mofokeng is very talented, and despite a recent injury, he proved himself at Pirates,” Broos said.

Bafana Bafana enter AFCON 2025 in Group B alongside Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Angola. After finishing third in the 2023 tournament, expectations are higher this year, placing pressure on the squad to advance to the knockout stages. Mbule and Mofokeng’s performances in the No. 10 role will be pivotal to South Africa’s campaign.