Mofokeng marks Bafana Bafana return with maiden Europa League goal

Relebohile Mofokeng celebrated his recall to the South Africa squad by scoring his first UEFA Europa League goal in Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Czech Republic on Thursday.

The 21-year-old was included in Pitso Mosimane’s first Bafana Bafana squad since his return as head coach earlier that day, before helping the Belgian club make a winning start to their European campaign.

Mofokeng’s goal added to an encouraging beginning in Belgium following his move from Orlando Pirates. He has scored three times in five league appearances and also helped Royale Union Saint-Gilloise win the Belgian Super Cup against Club Brugge, converting the decisive penalty in the shootout.

His latest contribution came in a dominant victory in which Viktoria Plzen’s Slovak defender Denis Vavro struggled to contain the South African forward.

The goal completed a significant day for Mofokeng, who had received public backing from Mosimane after being named in the squad. The coach highlighted the youngster’s ability to operate in several positions and adapt to different tactical systems.

Mofokeng was mainly used as a left or right winger by former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. Abdeslam Ouaddou initially followed the same approach at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, but also introduced him in the number 10 position.

Hugo Broos likewise used Mofokeng centrally for Bafana Bafana and stressed that he should not be viewed solely as a winger.

Mosimane said the player’s versatility should be regarded as an advantage rather than a limitation.

“I don’t know if the coach did not believe in him. I have to go with what is right,” Mosimane stated.

“I saw the boy playing very well in his last two games in the World Cup – he did well, he dribbled, he played in the different role of the 3-4-3 and he has been used as a 10 on the right in the formation of the 3-4-3 which he has never played in, and adjusting to that formation, scoring goals.”

The Bafana Bafana coach also referred to Mofokeng’s changing responsibilities during his time with Orlando Pirates and the national team.

“Remember at Orlando Amstel Arena we used to see him playing as a winger, suddenly he is a 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. So the boy shows us he can play in different formations and wherever he has been playing, his been scoring or assisting.”

Mosimane said Mofokeng’s progress should be supported as South Africa plans for the 2030 World Cup.

“It’s good, let’s keep going with him, he is young. 2030 [World Cup] we need to build on that platform and give them a chance.

“He is scoring in Europe, in a high league.”

Mofokeng will now join up with Mosimane and Bafana Bafana for their upcoming international fixtures, with his first European goal providing further momentum.