Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has justified the selection of Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng in his final squad for the upcoming CAF 2025 AFCON tournament despite his slow start this season.
The AFCON finals will be staged in Morocco from 21 December 2025 until 18 January 2026. Mofokeng made it to Broos’ Bafana final 25-man squad, which was announced on Monday, 1 December, live on SABC Sport.
The 21-year-old’s absence from the SA men’s national team in their recent international friendly against Zambia sparked questions and created uncertainty about his selection for the AFCON tournament.
This came as Mofokeng has ceased to be a consistent starter for the Sea Robbers, with his performance declining in the ongoing campaign, injury setbacks hindering his displays.
However, the talented winger has redeemed himself and pulled off a Man of the Match performance in their 2-0 win over Durban City FC over the weekend.
‘I DIDN’T DOUBT HIM’: SAYS HUGO BROOS
Broos did not beat around the bush, declaring his love for Mofokeng, stating that he never thought twice about selecting him for his squad because he knows what the player is capable of.
“About Relebohile Mofokeng, you know I like him as a player. He is a very good and talented player,” said the 73-year-old Bafana coach.
“He had a few problems in the past weeks with an injury, but I was very happy to see him playing again with Pirates. I didn’t doubt him for even one second when it came to including him in the selection.”
WHY HUGO BROOS INCLUDED ELIAS MOKWANA IN HIS FINAL BAFANA SQUAD
The Belgian mentor went on to explain why he recalled Elias Mokwena to the Bafana set-up, as he had not been part of the national team for quite some time.
“We looked at his past month’s several games at AL Hazem, and he was playing very well, even though he didn’t play in his usual position. They used him as a central striker,” he added.
“But it is also an advantage for us that if we need someone there [a striker], we can always use Elias. On the other hand, he is in very good shape. He is like a winger, who is very quick and has good action. So, I think Elias is someone like that.”
Bafana are drawn in Group B of the AFCON tournament with Egypt, Angola, and neighbours Zimbabwe. Broos’ charges will face Angola in their opening group stage match on 22 December at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
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