Chiefs star back in Bafana Bafana to replace injured Pirates winger Mofokeng

Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has been ruled out of Bafana Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup double-header against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, respectively.  

The youngster was part of Hugo Broos' final 23-man squad that was set to represent Mzansi when they play the Warriors on Friday, October 10, and four days later when they host Amavubi. However, the 20-year-old was injured while representing the Buccaneers on Saturday in the Carling Knockout's Round of 16 1-0 win over Siwelele.

Initially, it had been thought the versatile attacker would recover in time for international matches, but that is not the case. This has forced the South African technical team to make amends, just three days before the game against the COSAFA rivals to be staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Amakhosi star makes Bafana Bafana return

The 73-year-old Belgian has included Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala in his team. The Glamour Boys Academy graduate had initially made the preliminary squad before being axed from the final one.

“We had to replace Rele Mofokeng, because of the injury he got on Saturday. We replaced him with Shabalala. Secondly, there are still two players who didn’t arrive because they played yesterday [Sunday]. Foster and Sithole will arrive tomorrow [Tuesday] morning.

“Tomorrow [Tuesday] afternoon, we will [be] complete [in] the training,” the tactician concluded.

Following the FIFA sanction, Bafana Bafana are second in Group C with 14 points, the same as leaders Benin, who have a better goal difference. The top teams in each pool are guaranteed a place in the global competition that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.