Relebohile Mofokeng has only three matches left to regain his form and secure a place in the Bafana Bafana squad for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With just a month until the tournament kicks off in Morocco, only a few players have solidified their spots in the 23-man squad.
Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, and Oswin Appollis are certain starters, but the remaining positions are still up for grabs.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos utilised the friendly match against Zambia this past weekend to evaluate some players he hasn’t had much experience with.
Can Mofokeng find his way to play in AFCON?
Former TS star Samukele Kabini impressed at left-back against Chipolopolo and is likely to compete with Aubrey Modiba for that position. Broos has a wide selection of players for defence and midfield, but the main challenge lies in the attack, particularly in the number 10 position.
With Themba Zwane unlikely to participate in the tournament, Sipho Mbule is more likely to be utilised as a playmaker.
He has consistently excelled in that role over the past few months and should fit into the number 10 position, depending on the system Broos decides to implement. Relebohile Mofokeng was initially considered a candidate to replace Zwane, but the young player’s AFCON hopes are hanging by a thread.
He has not yet returned to the form that once made him one of the top players in the Premier Soccer League.
How can Mofokeng make the AFCON squad? B
Broos is fond of the 21-year-old, and if he can deliver strong performances in the next few matches, Mofokeng could earn a spot in the squad.
Often referred to as “President yama 2k”, he has three matches to impress, and given the recent performance of Orlando Pirates, he may not even start any of these matches, including the highly anticipated Carling Knockout Cup final.
If Mofokeng can achieve a goal and an assist in one of these three games, it might be sufficient for him to retain his position in the national team.
One significant reason Broos might include Mofokeng in the AFCON squad is if Pirates decide to deploy him in the number 10 position, with Appollis and Tshepang Moremi on the wings. If he can shine as a playmaker, his place in the Bafana team will be secured.