Hugo Broos has got real about Relebohile Mofokeng's "underwhelming" AFCON, citing the pressure of fame on a young star. But with seven goals since January and a new tactical role in the middle of the park, is 'The President' ready to finally conquer the international stage? Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has offered a detailed assessment of Relebohile Mofokeng, expressing optimism about the attacker’s development while explaining what he believes held him back on the international stage.
South Africa are set to face Panama national football team in two friendlies — at Moses Mabhida Stadium and DHL Stadium on Friday (kick-off 7pm) — as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mofokeng arrives in camp on the back of a standout performance for Orlando Pirates, having scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over TS Galaxy.
Yet, his impact in national colours has not matched his club form. The 21-year-old played just 96 minutes at the Africa Cup of Nations, including a start in the round of 16 defeat to Cameroon national football team — a campaign widely viewed as underwhelming.
Broos believes the reasons were both natural and psychological.
“There was a time that he was looking [to play] for himself. He became a star very quickly and here in South Africa, once you are at that high level, things become a mess and difficult,” he said.
“There was so much around his head, and he forgot to play football. This is totally normal, and I don’t blame him. When you are a young guy, and suddenly everyone wants to be with you, it is difficult.”
It is a candid reflection on the pressures that come with rapid rise.
The second half of the season has been glittering for ‘The President’ as he’s racked up seven goals and three assists in his eleven league appearances since January. But the Belgian coach is now seeing encouraging signs of growth.
“He had a good campaign last season, and he is coming little by little this year. We are seeing the Relebohile that everyone wants to see, and he is playing in a different position.”
That positional shift, Broos suggests, could be key to unlocking Mofokeng’s full potential. Rather than operating as a traditional winger, the Pirates star has increasingly been deployed in more central areas — a move the national team coach fully endorses.
“He is not a winger. He doesn’t have the explosiveness and dribbling on the line, those are not his qualities. His qualities are intelligence and using the spaces — that is where he is the best.”
For Broos, it is about maximising strengths rather than forcing a role.
“I think his coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, will play him in that position, and he is coming to Bafana to play that position and not on the wing.”
With the World Cup on the horizon, clarity over roles could prove decisive. And if Mofokeng continues to grow into his evolving position, Bafana may yet unlock one of their most promising attacking weapons at just the right time.