Relebohile Mofokeng marked his return to the Bafana Bafana setup in style, scoring his first Europa League goal as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise began their campaign with victory over Viktoria Plzen on Thursday.
The 21-year-old was named in Pitso Mosimane’s first Bafana squad since returning as head coach earlier in the day before making his mark for the Belgian side.
Mofokeng has enjoyed an impressive start to life in Belgium since leaving Orlando Pirates, scoring three goals in five league appearances.
He has now added a European goal to his growing list of achievements after helping USG secure a winning start in the Europa League.
The goal capped a memorable day for Mofokeng, particularly after Mosimane spoke highly of the youngster and suggested he would have a significant role to play in his Bafana plans.
Mosimane also believes Mofokeng’s versatility makes him an important asset for the national team.
Under former Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, Mofokeng was predominantly deployed as either a left or right winger. Abdeslam Ouaddou initially continued with that approach before also using him in the number 10 role.
Hugo Broos similarly deployed Mofokeng centrally for Bafana, insisting that the youngster was not simply a winger.
Mosimane, however, believes the youngster’s ability to operate in different positions and systems is a strength.
“I don’t know if the coach did not believe in him. I have to go with what is right,” Mosimane stated.
“I saw the boy playing very well in his last two games in the World Cup – he did well, he dribbled, he played in the different role of the 3-4-3 and he has been used as a 10 on the right in the formation of the 3-4-3 which he has never played in, and adjusting to that formation, scoring goals.”
The Bafana coach pointed to Mofokeng’s ability to adapt to different tactical demands during his time with Pirates and South Africa.
“Remember at Orlando Amstel Arena we used to see him playing as a winger, suddenly he is a 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. So the boy shows us he can play in different formations and wherever he has been playing, his been scoring or assisting.”
Mosimane believes Mofokeng’s development should now be encouraged as South Africa looks towards the 2030 World Cup.
“It’s good, let’s keep going with him, he is young. 2030 [World Cup] we need to build on that platform and give them a chance.
“He is scoring in Europe, in a high league.”
Mofokeng has already made an encouraging start to his European adventure, also helping USG lift the Belgian Super Cup after defeating Club Brugge, with the former Pirates star converting the decisive penalty.
His latest goal provides another timely boost as he prepares to join up with Mosimane and Bafana for the upcoming international fixtures.
