Mofokeng and Dithejane hit form at the perfect time for Bafana Bafana

Relebohile Mofokeng and Puso Dithejane have given Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane an important boost before South Africa’s 2027 Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea this month, with both attackers finding their rhythm at club level.

Mofokeng scored his second Jupiler Pro League goal for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in their 3-0 victory over Sint-Truidense VV on Wednesday. The South Africa international completed the scoring with an impressive effort from inside the penalty area, curling the ball into the net.

It was Mofokeng’s second league goal in Belgium since his high-profile move from Orlando Pirates. The transfer followed Bafana Bafana’s Fifa World Cup campaign, in which South Africa finished in the Round of 32.

The 2027 Afcon qualifiers will give Mofokeng another opportunity to build on that progress, while Dithejane’s recent performances have also strengthened his case for an important role in the national team.

Dithejane has made an outstanding return to action with Chicago Fire following the World Cup. On Wednesday, the winger was named the club’s July/August Player of the Month after registering four goals and three assists in all competitions.

His form has arrived at a significant moment for Bafana Bafana. South Africa are beginning a new era under Mosimane as they prepare for their qualifying campaign for the continental showpiece in the Pamoja region.

Mosimane will need as many in-form players as possible, particularly because four regular members of the squad are currently unavailable through injury. Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau are all sidelined.

The national team’s defensive options have also received an encouraging boost. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a Player of the Match display for Mamelodi Sundowns in their 2-0 win over Milford on Wednesday night, underlining his own strong run of form.

That defensive solidity will need to be matched by Bafana Bafana’s attacking players when the qualifiers arrive. Mofokeng and Dithejane are therefore expected to carry their confidence from club football into the upcoming international break.

Mofokeng’s goal for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Dithejane’s recognition at Chicago Fire both came at an ideal time for Mosimane. With injuries affecting several established players, the national coach will be encouraged by the pair’s recent contributions and will hope they can maintain that level when they join up with the national team.

South Africa’s meetings with Guinea and Eritrea will be the first major test of Mosimane’s new era, and the coach’s preparations have been helped by two forwards entering the qualifiers with momentum behind them.