Doc Khumalo urges Bafana Bafana to give Relebohile Mofokeng creative freedom

Bafana Bafana should give Relebohile Mofokeng the same freedom that allowed Doctor Khumalo and the late John “Shoes” Moshoeu to inspire South Africa, says the former midfielder.

Khumalo believes Mofokeng’s attacking qualities could be restricted if the 21-year-old is given excessive defensive responsibility or confined by rigid tactical instructions.

Speaking on SABC Sport’s SoccerZone, the Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs icon said the national team should build its attacking approach around the young player’s ability to create and influence matches.

“Look, he has done so much,” Khumalo said.

“At the end of the day, let’s allow the boy to be himself. If you were to ask me how it feels to be given that freedom, this is what this boy needs.

“He cannot be given a task that when we are in possession we are in possession we need him again, we are going to drain his adrenaline.

“So give him the role that Shoes and I used to benefit from and have the people that will protect him.

“I mean, he has done it now recently in the Europa Cup – on the big stage. So let’s understand exactly what we need out of him versus us just sitting and not protecting him.

“When I’m talking about a player of his calibre, this is what South Africa needs, and he’s the only player at the moment that, when we look at the likes of Shoes, Ace Khuse and the likes, those players were protected. We don’t want to see them defending 100%.

“So when we are in possession, we know that we have what we call a transitional player. He has got a God-given talent; don’t mistreat Mofokeng. When he wants to do his thing, let him. Let him play.”

Khumalo and Moshoeu were central creative figures in South Africa’s squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. He believes Mofokeng should similarly be supported by teammates who can cover for him while he focuses on attacking.

Mofokeng delivered an influential performance in Bafana Bafana’s 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier, played at a neutral venue. Operating from the left side of midfield, he helped unlock a stubborn Guinean defence before being replaced late in the second half.

Born in Sharpeville, Mofokeng has quickly become an important member of the senior men’s national team. The former Orlando Pirates winger has also made a strong start to life in Europe following his record-breaking transfer to Belgian Pro League club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

He has scored three goals and provided one assist in six domestic league appearances during the 2026/27 campaign. He also scored on his UEFA Europa League debut against Viktoria Plzen.

Bafana Bafana next face Eritrea on Wednesday, 30 September, aiming to maintain their perfect start to qualifying. The match will be played at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, with kick-off at 18:00 SA time.