Broos Backs Rele’s Resurgence In New Central Role

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is delighted that Relebohile Mofokeng has rediscovered his form, noting that the youngster has successfully cleared the “mental hurdles” that naturally affect rising stars.

After being nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Season last term, Mofokeng endured a sluggish start to the current campaign.

His dip in form coincided with a period of immense pressure; many expected him to step into the number 10 role during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following Themba Zwane’s injury-induced absence.

The national team felt Mofokeng’s struggles most acutely during their Round of 16 clash against Cameroon. The youngster missed a gilt-edged chance in the early stages, a mistake that proved costly as Bafana Bafana eventually fell 2-1 to Broos’ former side, crashing out of the tournament.

From AFCON Heartbreak to World Cup Hope

Since that January disappointment, Mofokeng has undergone a total transformation. He currently looks like the frontrunner for the PSL Footballer of the Season award and has become a mainstay in the squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America this June.

His resurgence was punctuated this past weekend by a maiden hat-trick in Orlando Pirates’ 6-0 demolition of TS Galaxy. The result propelled the Buccaneers back to the top of the table as their title tug-of-war with Mamelodi Sundowns continues.

“Rele went through a period where he was looking for himself,” Broos explained.

“He became a star in South Africa very quickly. When you reach that level, expectations rise and things become difficult. There was so much going on in his head that he almost forgot to just play football, which is totally normal.”

Broos added: “I don’t blame him. When everyone wants a piece of you, it’s hard to manage. But little by little, he is returning to the Rele everyone wants to see—a top player in a different position.”

A New Tactical Future

Bafana Bafana are currently in camp preparing for their final home fixtures before the World Cup: two FIFA-sanctioned friendlies against Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium this Friday and DHL Stadium next Tuesday.

Broos has made it clear that Mofokeng’s future lies in the heart of the midfield rather than on the flanks.

“He’s playing more central [number 10], and I think this is a future for Rele,” said Broos. 

“Rele is not a winger; he can’t play on the wings with an opponent who is not so strong. Against a strong opponent, you will never play a good game, because he is not a winger, because he doesn’t have that explosivity, you don’t have on the line-dribbling – that is not his quality. 

“His quality is intelligence, giving passes by using the spaces, which is where Rele is the best. I think now the coach from Orlando Pirates [Abdelsam Ouaddou] will give him that position, and not because he scored three times this past weekend, no, no. 

“It is something we know that is his best position. He is coming to Bafana Bafana to play that position and not on the wing.”