Broos explains why ‘it’s too early to start Relebohile Mofokeng’ at Bafana

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained why he has not handed a start to Relebohile Mofokeng despite the youngster’s consistent strong performances off the bench.

The Orlando Pirates starlet has captured the hearts of the nation since making his debut in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in June at a packed Free State Stadium. 

He has since been part of every camp as the Belgian tactician sees him as a key part of the national team’s future. 

The 20-year-old has featured in five matches for Bafana, coming on as a substitute in each appearance. He has also been an unused substitute on three occasions.

Broos praised Mofokeng’s technical ability but pointed out that he still lacks the physicality required to consistently impact games, particularly against strong opposition.

He feels the young attacker still needs the support from physically strong teammates even when he’s thrown in during the second halves in games. 

HUGO BROOS ON RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG – ‘HE NEEDS SOMEONE WHO’LL DO THE WORK FOR HIM’

“You need that [power] in modern football; it’s something that is normal,” said Broos after the 2025 AFCON qualifier clash against South Sudan on Tuesday evening at a sold-out Cape Town Stadium. 

“Football technically, you have to be good. This is normal, but there is something, and that is the physical side of football, that you have to be able to play 90 minutes and also to have the power.

“And we have that power in our team now, and we had it also in AFCON, and that’s why we [came out with] good results. That’s why we can compete with teams like Algeria and Ivory Coast, what we did in March and last year in November.

“I think two years ago it was not possible, and this is also something that I mean when I say that the level of PSL is not high enough. Technically, it’s okay, there are good players.

“But yeah, this and that’s why I always try to have players like Mofokeng. It’s a little bit too early now to put him from the beginning, but Mofokeng is not a powerful player.

“So, you need someone next to him that can do the work for him. And this is what we try to do whenever we select players.”

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