Pitso Mosimane reveals how Relebohile Mofokeng will fit into his Bafana Bafana plans

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has explained how he plans to use Relebohile Mofokeng after highlighting the youngster’s ability to operate in several positions.

Mosimane, who replaced Hugo Broos as South Africa coach last month, has included the 21-year-old in his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The coach was asked about Mofokeng after naming his squad and whether the Orlando Pirates academy graduate had previously been underused by the national team.

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

Mofokeng impressed at World Cup

Mosimane pointed to Mofokeng’s performances during his final two matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as evidence of the qualities he can bring to the national team.

The midfielder featured in different roles within a 3-4-3 system and impressed with his ability to take on defenders while also contributing in front of goal.

“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,” Mosimane explained.

The coach believes Mofokeng’s versatility will allow him to adapt to different tactical demands rather than being restricted to one position.

Mosimane has options for Mofokeng

Mofokeng’s development has seen him occupy several attacking positions throughout his career.

At Belgian club Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, he has been deployed as a withdrawn striker and on the right wing, while his time at Pirates saw him begin predominantly as a left winger before moving into a more central role.

Mosimane believes that positional flexibility is an advantage as he prepares the youngster for his Bafana Bafana plans.

“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, he’s been scoring or assisting,” he added.

Belgium move boosts Mofokeng’s momentum

Mofokeng has continued to make an impression since moving to Belgium, giving Mosimane another option as he prepares his team for the upcoming qualifiers.

His ability to play across the attacking line could allow the coach to adjust his system without removing the youngster from the starting XI.

With Mofokeng also carrying recent World Cup experience and arriving in good form at club level, Mosimane could hand him a prominent role when Bafana Bafana return to competitive action next week.