Bafana Bafana face an injury hurdle as Mofokeng is sidelined for the key qualifiers
South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, has encountered a major challenge in their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Rising star Relebohile Mofokeng has been forced to withdraw from the squad after picking up a knee injury during Orlando Pirates’ recent Carling Knockout Cup victory over Siwelele FC.
DON'T MISS
The setback comes at a critical juncture, with the team aiming to secure vital points in Group C to bolster their qualification hopes for the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What Broos said
Head coach Hugo Broos addressed the issue head-on during a press briefing at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, emphasising the need for swift adaptations.
)
Hugo Broos , South Africa boss. (Photo Credit: Cali/IG)
“We had to replace Rele Mofokeng because of the injury he got on Saturday,” Broos stated.
Mofokeng, a dynamic attacker who has impressed with his flair and goal-scoring ability for Pirates, will miss both the clash against Zimbabwe on Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium and the subsequent home fixture versus Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium.
)
In response to the absence, Broos has turned to Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala to fill the void.
The 21-year-old, known for his proactive play and spatial awareness, joins the camp for what marks his second senior international opportunity after featuring in preliminary squads earlier.
Shabalala, who shone during South Africa’s run to the final of the 2025 Cosafa Cup, brings versatility to the attacking midfield role.
Broos praised the youngster’s attributes, noting, “If you see the games of Chiefs, Mduduzi is somebody who has action, he knows where to run when there is space.”
)
The camp is nearly complete, though overseas-based forwards Lyle Foster and midfielder Sphephelo Sithole were delayed in reporting due to club matches.
Broos confirmed their expected arrival shortly, stating, “There are two players who have not arrived because they played yesterday, that’s Foster and Sithole. They will arrive tomorrow morning.”
)
Sithole, playing for Portuguese side CD Tondela, adds midfield depth with his international experience, while Foster’s physical presence up front has been crucial in past outings.
Group C Context and Stakes
Bafana Bafana hold second position in Group C, which includes Nigeria, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho, following FIFA points deduction for fielding an ineligible player in an earlier match against Lesotho.
)
The sanction, which altered a 2-0 win to a 3-0 loss, dropped South Africa behind Benin on goal difference and intensified the battle for direct qualification.
Only the group winner advances automatically, with the runner-up entering the playoffs.
)
Under Broos’ guidance since 2021, South Africa has shown progress, reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
