Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng could be ruled out of Bafana Bafana’s important World Cup qualifier game against Siwelele this past weekend.
The 20-year-old was stretchered off during the Buccaneers‘ Carling Knockout Cup match against Siwelele this past weekend. The Sea Robbers emerged 1-0 victors following a late goal from Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
After the match, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said it was too early to tell if Mofokeng will miss Bafana’s upcoming fixtures.
“To be honest, for now, we just finished the game. I cannot tell you anything about Rele – I think he played one hour and did well,” he said.
“I’m happy with what he did; we will see the issue, and we will see if he is okay or not [for Bafana Bafana], but for me, he played one hour – I don’t have much to say about that.”
Mofokeng could be a key player for Bafana
The 20-year-old attacker has not had the best season so far. In the 10 matches he has played, Mofokeng is yet to score or provide an assist across all competitions. Despite his struggles, ‘President Ya Ma 2000’ still had some good games this campaign and was instrumental in the MTN8 final, where the Buccaneers won their fourth successive title.
At Bafana, Mofokeng can play the number 10 role against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. South Africa needs to win at least by a scoreline of 3-0 in each match to ensure World Cup qualification. The Pirates star is one player who can unlock defence in the number 10 role and force an opening.
His skill, pace and creativity could be key if he is fit to play. An injury to Mofokeng will be a big blow to Bafana but given how the team has played their previous matches without the winger, Hugo Broos might stick with Sipho Mbule in the number 10 position.