World Cup 2026: Relebohile Mofokeng reflects on debut as South Africa earn valuable point against Czechia

South Africa’s rising star Relebohile Mofokeng has shared his thoughts after marking his FIFA World Cup debut with an influential cameo in Bafana Bafana’s 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on Thursday evening.

Hugo Broos’ side picked up a crucial point in their second Group A match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the 21-year-old helping to inject energy and creativity after being introduced in the second half in an advanced midfield role.

Speaking after the match, Mofokeng revealed the tactical instructions he received from the coaching staff before stepping onto the pitch.

“The coaches’ instructions were that I must play behind the defensive midfielders because there was space there in the first half. I think the gents did very well to find those spaces,” he told SABC Sport.

“So, I think we needed more attacks. We did very well in the second half to attack them, to put them under pressure, and we did very well on that.”

The Orlando Pirates midfielder admitted that his first appearance on football’s biggest stage came with nerves, but credited Broos’ encouragement for helping him settle quickly.

“Obviously, it is my first World Cup and my first game, so the coach just told me to be confident and believe in myself,” he said.

“He told me that he believes in me, so I must believe in myself too. The game was very difficult because this is the biggest stage.

“You just need confidence and to believe in yourself. The coach just said I must play, be myself and do my best.”

Mofokeng also stressed the importance of intelligence and movement when facing physically stronger opponents on the international stage.

“I think you just need brains when people are more physical than you,” he explained.

“You need to think more, move more and see the spaces quicker so that you can get into those spaces quicker.

“It was very difficult for us because we are the youngest team and one of the shortest teams. But you just have to use your brains, your confidence and your quickness.”

Bafana Bafana will wrap up their Group A campaign against South Korea next Thursday, with their hopes of reaching the knockout stages still firmly alive.