Mosimane challenges Mofokeng to turn ‘God-given’ talent into regular goals

Relebohile Mofokeng’s two-goal performance against Eritrea has prompted Pitso Mosimane to call for more regular scoring from the South Africa forward.

The 21-year-old scored his first two senior international goals in Wednesday’s 5-0 victory in Cairo, helping Bafana Bafana make it two wins from two in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Mofokeng had made 17 appearances for South Africa without scoring before the match. His only previous Bafana goal came in the overturned 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Lesotho.

Mosimane believes his return of two goals in one game should be the beginning of a more productive period for the attacking midfielder.

“Rele is a top player, he’s showing why he’s gone to Europe and he’s scoring by the way in Europe so he’s not just scoring for us and that’s the most important thing, Rele must score goals,” Mosimane said.

Mofokeng joined Royale Union Saint-Gilloise from Orlando Pirates and has already been delivering in front of goal for the Belgian club.

He has scored four times and supplied one assist in nine appearances across all competitions. Three of those goals have come in the Belgian Pro League, while he also scored on his Europa League debut against Viktoria Plzen.

Mosimane said Mofokeng’s ability was clear, but stressed that his role required more than creativity and assists.

“We know what he can do with the ball, he’s a magician, an intelligent player but I told him he needs to score goals because number 10’s score goals not just only to give assists or plate between the lines, you have to score goals but you don’t teach him anything, he’s just God-given.”

Mofokeng displayed both his individual skill and his improved finishing against Eritrea.

He struck the post in the opening stages before putting South Africa ahead in the 19th minute, running on to a pass from Oswin Appollis.

The forward added a second shortly before half-time. After receiving the ball inside the penalty area, he evaded defenders before placing his finish into the bottom corner.

The performance reflected the flair that has become a feature of Mofokeng’s game, while also providing the goals Mosimane has been demanding.

The Bafana coach has previously highlighted the need to develop a new generation of players before the 2030 World Cup, and Mofokeng is expected to be a significant part of that group.

His form in Belgium suggests he has begun to meet that challenge at club level. After finally opening his international account in emphatic fashion, Mosimane now wants the goals to continue for South Africa.