Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse has dived into the contentious Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ playmaker choice, giving insight on Relebohile Mofokeng and Themba Zwane as the 2026 FIFA World Cup creative options.
Since taking the South Africa reins in May 2021, coach Broos has often highlighted the number 10 and eight roles as some of the problematic positions in his team. Desperately in need of creativity in his side, various players have been tried out.
But Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane has arguably been by far the most impressive in that role. However, a long-term injury kept the veteran star out of the national side.
His return to full fitness has been marked by a lack of the spark that used to power his game for both club and country. During Zwane’s time away and even after recovering from injury, Broos has been on the lookout for the Bafana vice-captain’s long-term replacement.
Trying out Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has not yielded the desired results. The Belgian then touted Sipho Mbule as his answer to the search for a playmaker and even went with the former Sundowns star to the 2025 AFCON finals. But Mbule lost his place at Pirates, and it affected his national team fortunes.
OUADDOU TRANSFORMING MOFOKENG’S GAME AND BROOS TAKING A LEAF
Broos then followed the Buccaneers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou in converting Mofokeng from being a winger into a number 10.
Mofokeng has thrived in that position,although Broos feels he is not yet ripe for full responsibilities on the big World Cup stage. But with the 21-year-old fresh from a season in which he was in terrific form for Pirates, some feel Mofokeng should be a key man for Bafana.
This comes as Zwane struggles for form since his return to full fitness and was even made a bit-part player by Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso in their triumphant CAF Champions League run.
Bafana now prepare to face Mexico in the World Cup opening match at Azteca Stadium on Thursday, and there has been debate on who Broos should start between Mofokeng and Zwane, although Jayden Adams is another option.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG THE GO-TO PLAYER FOR BAFANA BAFANA IN TERMS OF CREATIVITY
Mofokeng did not make the expected impact at the 2025 AFCON finals, where he was tested at a level of football he had yet to experience. But judging from the School of Excellence graduate’s club performances, Arendse feels the World Cup is a platform Mofokeng needs to showcase his game globally.
“It’s the big stage, all eyes are on the World Cup. I hope the team does well and gets out of the group. But it’s going to be very tough,” Arendse told FARPost.
“However, you never know because football will surprise you, and it’s going to be very interesting.
“Yeah, I think if I’m not mistaken before AFCON, he [Mofokeng] had an injury as well. After that, he helped Pirates to win the league with consistency. He is the go-to player in terms of creativity.
“The time is right for him to shine on the international stage. If he plays with the freedom he had at Pirates, he will shine. I hope he can take it for us at the World Cup.
“I don’t see him at Pirates next season because he needs to move. He will definitely be a nominee for PSL Player of the Year or probably win it. It will give him confidence going forward.”
HOW MOFOKENG CAN LEARN FROM THEMBA ZWANE
Arendse seems to have a divided opinion on the Zwane-Mofokeng issue, but has had his say.
“Both of them are quality players. Feeding from Zwane’s experience can be crucial for Mofokeng,” he said.
“Rubbing off experience is actually what he should do. Obviously, they are always talking and sharing stuff at training. It’s good for Rele to tap a lot from Themba. That’s what he needs. The coach has good players in his hands there.”
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