Kaizer Chiefs legend Brian Baloyi has issued a direct plea to national team head coach Hugo Broos regarding the utilisation of sensational winger Relebohile Mofokeng in Bafana Bafana’s ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are currently enduring a tough run in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Hugo Broos’ charges endured a slow start to the tournament, suffering a 2-0 defeat against hosts Mexico in their opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
In their second Group A fixture, Bafana fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Czechia, keeping their dreams of advancing to the knockout stages alive heading into the final group clash against South Korea.
As it stands, South Africa sits at the bottom of Group A with just one point, level with Czechia. Meanwhile, Mexico tops the group with a perfect six points, while South Korea occupies second place with three points. Bafana now require maximum points against the Asian giants in their final group game to book a historic place in the round of 16.
In the opening two matches, the Belgian tactician has opted for a more conservative approach, leaving high-profile attackers like Relebohile Mofokeng on the bench. However, the Orlando Pirates starlet provided a much-needed creative spark after coming on as a second-half substitute against Czechia, making a strong case for a starting berth against South Korea.
WHAT BRIAN BALOYI SAID ABOUT RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S LIMITED GAME-TIME AT THE WORLD CUP
With the 1996 AFCON champions preparing for a do-or-die clash against South Korea, Baloyi has urged Broos to hand Mofokeng more game time. The retired shot-stopper believes that starting the teenager on the global stage could provide the perfect platform for him to market himself to top European suitors.
The highly-rated winger is fresh from a stellar 2025/26 campaign, where he helped Pirates clinch the Betway Premiership title. Mofokeng featured in 27 league matches, netting 10 goals and registering eight assists—a phenomenal return that makes him a strong favourite for top accolades, including the coveted PSL Footballer of the Season award.
“I think against Czechia we played a better second-half after the introduction of Mofokeng; why aren’t we starting with Rele? There is nothing like the stage is too big, or he’s small,” Baloyi told FARPost.
“Some of the countries are playing with 17-year-olds. This is the right time to play Rele, and this is the right platform for him to sell himself and go to bigger leagues in Europe. Throw him in the deep end; he has a bigger heart, he plays for one of the biggest clubs in the country, and he can take the pressure. Just show him that you believe in him.”
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