Khanye hails ‘decisive’ Mofokeng after Bafana Bafana victory

iDiski TV analyst Junior Khanye has praised Relebohile Mofokeng’s performance in South Africa’s 2-1 win over Guinea, describing the Royale Union SG attacker as a “decisive” number 10.

Mofokeng started the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener in Orlando last weekend, with the victory moving Bafana Bafana to the top of Group D on three points.

Although the youngster caused problems for the National Elephants’ defence, he missed a clear opportunity to score before Ime Okon opened the scoring.

Khanye said Mofokeng had been used in a system that suited his strengths, with the player given freedom to operate in an attacking role rather than being burdened with defensive duties.

The former Kaizer Chiefs winger also said he understood why Mofokeng is not yet completing 90 minutes for the national team.

“I think the coach started let’s say the first 10, 20 minutes with Yaya [Sphephelo Sithole] as a defensive midfielder to protect our back four,” Khanye said on iDiski TV.

“He saw those guys can break very quick and brought in [Teboho] Tebza Mokoena in his best position, defensive midfield and played with two defensive midfielders and allowed Rele to play his normal position and we didn’t need him to mark, played him to his strength.”

Khanye was particularly impressed by Mofokeng’s ability to retain possession and find space under pressure.

“The boy never lost the ball. I love that he has speed, can play under pressure, very decisive. He can decide the game going forward and he played a free role. I think that boy is good in that position playing off the ball, he hardly lost possession, he found pockets spaces.”

He said Mofokeng operated alongside Oswin Appollis in a flexible attacking set-up, with Appollis moving inside and creating room for Aubrey Modiba to advance.

“He played sort of like a double number 10, with [Oswin] Appollis cutting inside to allow [Aubrey] Modiba to go because he was playing with two defensive midfielders,” Khanye added.

Mofokeng’s experience of playing in Europe was also a factor in Khanye’s assessment of his limited game time.

“He’s playing in Europe so even if you start him, I don’t mind if you eliminate him the last 10 minutes,” he said.

Khanye felt the decision was justified by the way the match developed after half-time, when South Africa were forced to defend more deeply and track back.

“The situation demanded that and I don’t [blame] him for not giving us much in the last 10 minutes. It was a game of two halves where we were asked questions in the second half and we were tracking back.”