Relebohile Mofokeng’s injury is a big blow for South Africa – Doctorson Khumalo

South Africa legend Theophilus Doctorson Khumalo has bemoaned Relebohile Mofokeng’s injury ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification bid suffered a major setback after being declared losers in their match against Lesotho back in March for fielding an eligible player, Teboho Mokoena.

South Africa are now second in Group C, and now faces must-win clashes against Zimbabwe and Rwanda this month.

The Bafana Bafana will play host to Zimbabwe on Friday, October 10 in Johannesburg before traveling to Kigali for the final round of games, four days later.

Mofokeng had to pull out of the South Africa squad after suffering an injury setback in Orlando Pirates’ 1-0 win over Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout last 16 last Saturday.

However, the 20-year-old attacker has been replaced by Kaizer Chiefs’ hard-running attacking midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala, 21, who has scored one goal in 10 games.

“I think it’s a big blow for Bafana Bafana, we really needed him (Mofokeng) for these two games,” Khumalo said on SABC Sport.

“Because he is one of the pillars in the national team. Also, he sacrifices a social factor in the squad, because they have been camping together – there is that continuation off the field.

“But also, when he’s sitting on the bench, the one who’s playing in his position feels that if I don’t perform, Rele is there to play.

“Above that, the coach has alluded to the fact that Mdu is the right choice, and we will go with that,” the former Bafana Bafana captain added.