Bafana Bafana market-value race intensifies as Relebohile Mofokeng doubles worth

Relebohile Mofokeng has emerged as the latest winner in Bafana Bafana’s battle for the squad’s highest market value after his valuation doubled to €6 million.

The 21-year-old’s rise follows an impressive start to life with Belgian Pro League club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, where he has scored four goals and provided one assist in nine appearances across all competitions.

Mofokeng then strengthened his case during the latest international window, scoring twice in South Africa’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Eritrea in their 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

According to transfermarkt.co.za, his market value had risen to €6 million by Monday, October 5. It was previously €3 million, the figure attached to him when he joined Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a four-year contract.

Mofokeng is now only €2 million behind South Africa’s leading market-value players and fellow internationals competing in Major League Soccer: Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Houston Dynamo FC forward Lyle Foster, who is on loan from Burnley.

Although the three players operate in different positions, the next two months could determine who holds the highest market value among the trio. They have exactly 30 days to persuade Bafana Bafana manager Pitso Mosimane that they should retain their places in the national squad.

The next FIFA international window will run from November 9–17. During that period, South Africa will face 2027 Africa Cup of Nations co-hosts Kenya twice, hosting them on November 13 before travelling for the return match on November 17. Kenya are managed by Benni McCarthy.

Mofokeng’s individual progress comes during a strong period for Bafana Bafana, who have climbed two places to 48th in the latest FIFA World Rankings.

That position matches their highest ranking since October 2011. Mosimane recently inherited the squad after another historic World Cup, while the ranking improvement followed three successive victories in the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, including a 1-0 success against continental heavyweights Egypt.

South Africa began the recently completed FIFA window in 54th place. Their 2-1 victory against Group D opponents Guinea earned them 8.87 ranking points and lifted them to 50th.

The 5-0 win over Eritrea added another 2.55 points, allowing Bafana Bafana to move past Czechia into 49th. Their 1-0 victory over Egypt then delivered a further 6.22 points and secured their rise to 48th.

Further good news arrived when South African defender Olwethu Makhanya was named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for September, continuing a productive week for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winners.