Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has termed the withdrawal of Relebohile Mofokeng from the national team a big blow ahead of Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana will take on Zimbabwe and Rwanda on Friday and next Tuesday but Mofokeng will not be part of the squad after he withdrew due to an injury with Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala replacing him.
Khumalo says it is a big setback for Hugo Broos’ team as Mofokeng’s absence will rob them off a quality player who would have been vital whether starting or coming off the bench.
Why is Khumalo saddened by Rele’s absence?
“I think it’s a big blow for Bafana Bafana, we really needed him for these two games,” Khumalo said on Soccerzone.
“Because he’s one of the pillars in the national team. And also, he’s a social factor in the squad, because they’ve 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’ll go with that.”
Mofokeng is one of coach Broos’ key players
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Mofokeng has been part of the national team setup since last year, making his debut against Zimbabwe as a last-minute substitute in June 2024, and he has since won eight caps although he is yet to score.
The Orlando Pirates winger has not started the 2025-26 season in brilliant fashion like last term with just one assist in 12 games but coach Broos has maintained that he is still a key player for him.
Rele was part of the squad in the September international window but he was not involved in the 2-0 win over Lesotho as well as the 1-1 draw with Nigeria.