2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Relebohile Mofokeng a doubt for South Africa’s upcoming games due to injury

Orlando Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng is a major doubt for South Africa’s next two games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to an injury setback.

The 20-year-old attacker was stretchered off just after the hour mark in Pirates’ last game, raising concerns for Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos ahead of crucial fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

Mofokeng was named in South Africa’s 23-man squad, which also includes seven of his Orlando Pirates teammates expected to join the national team camp in the coming days.

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed satisfaction with the youngster’s performance but admitted that the medical team will need time to assess the extent of the injury.

“To be honest, for now, we just finished the game, I cannot tell you anything about Rele – I think he played one hour and did well,” Ouaddou said.

He added, “I’m happy with what he did, we will see the issue, we will see if he is okay or not [for Bafana Bafana], but for me, he played one hour – I don’t have much to say about that.”

Since earning promotion to the Orlando Pirates first team in July 2023, Mofokeng has made 101 appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing 22 assists across all competitions.

His potential absence would be a major blow to South Africa as they continue their push to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.