Comment
Relebohile Mofokeng’s shoulders are broader. And that’s not only due to his largely improved physical shape since moving to Belgian Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, but also the maturity he’s shown in handling high-pressure situations.
At a cool Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday night, Mofokeng showed that he’s gradually graduating from a boy to a man. He rose to the occasion when Bafana Bafana needed him most, launching the 5-0 onslaught on Eritrea in the team’s second Afcon qualifier.
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🇿🇦 Bafana Bafana are now ranked among the Top 50 best footballing countries in the world for the first time in over 20 years! ⚽🔥 This is according to unofficial live FIFA Ranking data for September 2026 📈. Bafana moved into the Top 50 thanks to a 2-1 victory ⚽ victory in coach Pitso Mosimane’s debut match against Guinea 🇬🇳.
♬ Ziyakhala – Sphithiphithi Dlamini
Mofokeng scored twice in the first half as Bafana went to the break 2-0 up. It wasn’t only about the timing of his runs, but his ability to position himself, get into the right space and perfect his execution.
His second strike was sheer brilliance: the attacker worked his way into space before flat-footing the goalkeeper and hitting an inch-perfect shot hard and low.
The goals didn’t only give Bafana comfort; they demonstrated how Mofokeng is already head and shoulders above the rest since his move, especially as the team’s main attacking threat while senior teammate Iqraam Rayners struggled on the night.
Despite his growth and maturity, Mofokeng hasn’t changed in other areas. His chemistry with best friend Oswin Appollis remains intact, as the duo combined effortlessly throughout the night with remarkable vision.
While Mofokeng’s movement on and off the ball gives the team extra impetus going forward, he also knows when to control the tempo. Sometimes all it takes isn’t slowing down the pace, but dropping his shoulder to turn his opponent and release the next pass.
The freedom with which the 21-year-old plays suggests that working under Pitso Mosimane can give players the platform to play to their strengths and evolve, easing concerns that his demanding approach might stifle their creativity.
Appollis and Sithole provide vital support
The charisma and poise Mofokeng brings to the pitch have rubbed off on his teammates. Appollis, who registered three assists on the night, put in a vastly improved performance after Mosimane’s blunt assessment following the 2-1 win over Guinea, looking calm and relaxed as he went about his business.
Having someone like Mofokeng thrive on the international stage seems to have inspired his teammates to support him and clean up behind him. Before being substituted, Sphephelo Sithole dictated play in the engine room.
Sithole didn’t just anchor the midfield and get his name on the scoresheet; he created space for others to roam. The absence of Teboho Mokoena and his replacement Bathusi Aubaas went unnoticed as Sithole played the big-brother role superbly, helping debutant Brooklyn Poggenpoel shine without nerves.
Of course, it’s early days to claim Mofokeng is ready to carry Bafana, especially after Mosimane raised the lack of goal poachers in SA footballers.
He still has areas to improve, especially when the team is out of possession. But one thing is clear: Mofokeng is maturing in the exact way Mosimane demands, and he could soon become the focal point both Bafana and Saint-Gilloise depend on to win matches.
