‘I won’t drop Mofokeng, it would kill him’ – Hugo Broos

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has backed Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng to come right.

The 20-year-old was included in the 23-man Bafana Bafana to do battle with Lesotho and Nigeria ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers next week.

Mofokeng has struggled for form this season and is yet to score or provide an assist. He has scored 18 goals and made 22 assists during his time with the Buccaneers in the past two seasons. In recent weeks, the Pirates star has reportedly attracted interest from Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Minnesota United and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

Broos feels Mofokeng has not been at his best due to uncertainty over his next move.

“You know I’m always worried here when I see there’s interest in a player in South Africa, when I see the teams and I think why is he going there? I can’t do anything about it, but let’s hope if Rele leaves Pirates, he makes the right choice,” the Bafana coach said.

Broos on Mofokeng’s struggles this season

“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.

“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,” Broos said as per iDiski Times.

Broos wants Mofokeng to settle his mind

“He has excuses, even though they say he’s saying no [to offers], 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.”

Mofokeng has been part of Broos’ plans for over a year and the winger has already impressed in Bafana Bafana colours.