Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has urged Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng to make the right choice if he decides to leave the Soweto giants this season.
Broos was speaking to the media shortly after he named his final Bafana 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
Bloemfontein will host the matches in September.
Recent reports link Mofokeng to a move to MLS side Minnesota United in the US, prompting Broos’ advice.
Other clubs that were reportedly interested in the 20-year-old youngster are Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, where his former Pirates teammate Mohau Nkota is.
However, despite all the reports, Mofokeng is expected to remain at the Buccaneers at least until after the Africa Cup of Nations [Afcon] at the end of the year in Morocco.
Dropping Mofokeng not an option
Mofokeng’s form has not been the same amid the transfer rumours. Broos stated that, although he has dropped players like Jayden Adams and several others for losing form, he understands Mofokeng’s situation and does not believe it justifies dropping him.
“You know I’m always worried when I see there’s interest in a player in South Africa, when I see the teams, and I think, ‘Why is he going there? I can’t do anything about it, but let’s hope if Rele leaves Pirates, he makes the right choice,” Broos said.
“I think that, currently, all this interest from teams is a bit too much for him; he’s being pursued by some teams, then not pursued by others, and you can see that reflected in his performances; he’s not playing at the same level as he did before.
“I can’t do what I maybe have to do and say, okay, I’ll drop him; that would kill him, and I won’t do that — but Rele must also know, even if he’s Rele Mofokeng, that in the coming weeks and months, he has to be better again.
“He has made excuses, despite reports claiming he is rejecting offers. You can’t stop thinking about it; it’s been two or three months, not two weeks.
“As a player, if you’re going, it’s not beneficial. So, let’s hope that problem is solved as soon as possible and that Rele knows he’s staying one more year at Pirates or that he receives a transfer.”
