Kaizer Chiefs legend makes bold Mofokeng claim as Pirates star insists he ‘can compete anywhere’

Kaizer Chiefs legend Brian Baloyi is confident Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng has what it takes to help Bafana Bafana deliver against South Korea.

South Africa lost 2-0 in the opening 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture against co-hosts Mexico, in a match in which the 21-year-old didn’t feature. The versatile attacker came in against the Czech Republic and played a crucial role in helping the team collect a point in the 1-1 draw.

Hugo Broos’ men are at the bottom of Group A with a point, while Mexico – who have aleady sealed their knockout ticket, lead with maximum points. South Korea are second with three points, while Czech – who have a superior goal difference , are placed third.

Give Mofokeng a chance

Baloyi insists Mofokeng has proved he has come of age and can be influential for the national team.

“I think against Czechia we played a better second-half after the introduction of Mofokeng; why aren’t we starting with Rele? There is nothing like the stage is too big, or he’s small,” he said as quoted FARPost.

“Some of the countries are playing with 17-year-olds. This is the right time to play Rele, and this is the right platform for him to sell himself and go to bigger leagues in Europe. Throw him in the deep end; he has a bigger heart, he plays for one of the biggest clubs in the country, and he can take the pressure.

“Just show him that you believe in him,” Baloyi concluded.

Mofokeng makes bold declaration

Meanwhile, Mofokeng insists he has proven that by playing in the World Cup, he can deliver anywhere in any league. The Bucs star has been linked with a move to Europe in the summer.

“Obviously, it was very special, but I think everyone did his best. I think the most important thing is to compete, and we came here to do that. I think I’m one of the people who can compete,” he told Sporty TV.

“I also believe I play in one of the best leagues in the world. I think I can compete anywhere. So, I think if you can compete here, you can compete anywhere in the world and in any league.

“So, I think we’re doing fine, we’re doing okay. We came here to compete and we’re doing very well,” he concluded.