Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos left out Orlando Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng from the most recent squad that faced Zambia.
The reason? The 21-year-old had made only two substitute appearances in 30 days due to injury and personal challenges, and with Afcon 2025 kicking off on 21 December, the debate is intensifying.
FORMER ORLANDO PIRATES WINGER MARK MAYAMEBELA SUGGESTS CAUTION ON RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG
Will Mofokeng travel to Morocco? And if he does, does he compete on the left wing or step into the No.10 role, especially with Themba Zwane’s injury woes continuing?
According to Mayambela, who is now coaching Mamelodi Sundowns’ U15 team, Mofokeng’s talent is beyond question, but he may require protection.
“Rele is a very talented player,” Mayambela said on Soccer Beat. “You know, we don’t doubt his talent or maybe his contribution.”
“Of course, he has the talent. He has the capabilities to do so. He has not played so much. Also, this season, he has not played at the right level. Orlando Pirates didn’t qualify for the Champions League [group stage]. So there’s a lot of things that are happening with him.”
Mayambela went on to explain that despite being in the Bafana setup longer than most young players, Mofokeng still only has eight caps and has not yet become the type of player whose absence shakes the team the way a Zwane or Teboho Mokoena does when they’re missing.
The former Orlando Pirates attacker also pointed out that the noise around Mofokeng’s future, Europe, Saudi Arabia, staying or going, must have weighed heavily on a young player, especially when combined with an injury layoff and the pressure of returning to a Bafana side currently performing well.
“Now with the injury, now coming back to a Bafana that is doing well, and to an Orlando Pirates team that has started to play well also in the PSL… there’s a lot for a young player.”
Mayambela concluded by suggesting Mofokeng should be part of the squad, but not necessarily as the main man.
REMAINING GAMES FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
In the meantime, Mofokeng has a few games to prove his setbacks are behind him. The Buccaneers face Chippa United on Tuesday, 25 November, then Durban City on the 29th, before wrapping up the year with the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants on 6 December.
