Mokoena Critiques Broos Tactics And Mofokeng Substitution
Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena questioned Hugo Broos’ tactical approach and his decision to substitute Relebohile Mofokeng after South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with defeat to co-hosts Canada on Sunday, bringing the nation’s historic run at the tournament to an end.
Although Bafana Bafana failed to progress beyond the Round of 32, the squad made history by becoming the first South African men’s national team to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup.
Despite the disappointing result, the team returns home having enjoyed an impressive tournament that highlighted the remarkable progress of South African football under Broos.
However, while acknowledging the historic achievement, Mokoena believes Bafana’s tactical approach against Canada prevented the team from fully expressing themselves, particularly in attack.
The former defender, who captained South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup on home soil, felt Bafana abandoned the identity that had served them so well throughout the tournament.
Mokoena also questioned Broos’ decision to substitute exciting youngster Relebohile Mofokeng before introducing Thalente Mbatha during the second half.
Mbatha’s introduction saw him join Teboho Mokoena and Siphephelo Sithole in midfield, creating a far more defensive setup. As a result, South Africa struggled to play progressively, frequently recycling possession between the centre-backs, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and defender Ime Okon, who finished among the players with the most touches during the match.
Speaking on Sporty TV, Mokoena insisted that players should be encouraged to play to their strengths rather than become overly cautious.
“We know our identity. For the coach, it’s important to remind the players, ‘This is what you’re good at.’ Show them those clips where they have taken players on,” he said.
“How many times did Oswin Appollis play bad passes? We don’t want that from our winger. We want a winger who takes on players and is creative.
“It’s okay to lose the ball; that’s what he needs to be doing. Hugo Broos is a great manager. That’s what he needs to do by encouraging the players. It’s okay to lose the ball in the final third, but lose it with a purpose because you were trying to eliminate your opponent.
“Now, after receiving the ball four times on the touchline and making bad passes, I would stand up from the bench and encourage you to take players on. We have pace, as Quinton Fortune is saying, and we are technically sound.
“I didn’t see enough of that from our wingers at certain moments. We played Evidence Makgopa, and at times he won fouls. But what happened after that? We played into Makgopa, but what was the next step? We played for the second ball. That’s fine, but it needs to be clear. It wasn’t clear today.
“The young man, for me, Relebohile Mofokeng, is one of our smartest players. It’s about what you’re telling Rele to help him perform. I don’t think he was that bad. He was in the positions where he was supposed to be.”
While Bafana Bafana’s dream of progressing further at the World Cup ended against Canada, their historic run will be remembered as a landmark achievement in South African football.
