‘Lorch wins MOTM but Bafana’s Broos goes for Mdu! Replacing gold Rayners with stone?’

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was forced to make two critical changes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda respectively.

Relebohile Mofokeng was injured while turning out for Orlando Pirates in Carling Knockout Round of 16 against Siwelele. Mduduzi Shabalala has since replaced the Bucs attacker.

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners was also released from the South Africa camp due to ‘medical reasons, with Evidence Makgopa taking his place in the team.

Have a look at what the fans said as sampled by Afrik-Foot.

All the best Mdu! Forget the outside noise

Shame, but Thembinkosi Lorch wins the player of the match, but the squad is still looking for shabalala –  Lebone Mangele 

All the best Mdu! Forget the outside noise; it's not a fluke that you've been called up twice. We believe in you –  De'Aaron Sabonis 

I strongly believe Hugo Broos is a mastermind when it comes to criticising Chiefs players. Positively take his criticisms and you’ll realise how pushy he is on Kaizer Chiefs players. That Madala loves Kaizer Chiefs – Tshepo Mulaudzi 

One thing about coach Broos, he doesn’t pick players according to social media opinions. He knows the best soldiers to get the job done. Congratulations Mduduzi Shabalala – Phuti Semenya

Relebohile Mofokeng was just a waste of a call-up to begin with, over 20 call-ups, no goal, no assist – Itumeleng Ledwaba

I see Broos there, he wants us to fill up the stadium because Pirates and Sundowns won't. I see you madala – Ndzulamiso RM 

I like how Broos is ignoring Mzansi fans

It's a good call up for him some fans will think it's not good just because of one penalty that he missed – Preshant Purtab

The old man always has one up his sleeve. This coach is something else – Surengwe

You can't replace gold in Iqraam Rayners with the Orlando Pirates' stone – MLilo Wa Kasi Gwijo 

I like how Hugo Broos is ignoring South African fans. That's how he has succeeded. He doesn't listen to them, which is great. Imagine if we all called for our preferences to be included in the national team? Hugo is a leader the national team needed all these years – Ezra Matjila 

I love how Makgopa plays. He can be physical. Opposition defense won't rest with this guy. I wish he could work on his finishing – Yandisa Prince Yengwa