Pitsa Mosimane highly praised Relebokhile Mofokeng and Oswin Apollos after Bafana Bafana's 5-0 victory over Eritrea

Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice as Pitso Mosimane's Bafana Bafana secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Eritrea during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations match held at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

Bafana Bafana

Mofokeng celebrated one of his two goals during the fixture. This win marked the team's second consecutive victory in their qualifying run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The player, who is a product of the Orlando Pirates Academy and currently plays football in Belgium, finally registered his name under Pitso Mosimane. His double helped South Africa maintain an undefeated start in Group D.

Although Mofokeng had previously hit the upright, he converted his chance in the 19th minute. The 21-year-old received a pass into the box from Oswin Appollis and demonstrated maturity by calmly placing the ball past the Eritrean goalkeeper to give Bafana the lead.

Despite taking the lead, South Africa faced challenges early on, needing to reorganize after losing important midfielders. Teboho Mokoena was sidelined due to injury, and his substitute, Bathusi Aubaas, was forced off early after sustaining a knock, prompting changes in the midfield structure.

However, the team continued to create attacking opportunities. Mofokeng doubled the advantage in the first-half stoppage time with a moment of individual skill. The attacker controlled the ball within the penalty area, bypassed multiple defenders, and accurately placed the shot into the bottom corner for a memorable second goal.

Bafana solidified their lead shortly after the break when Sphephelo Sithole netted the third goal in the 52nd minute. The midfielder, who was given the chance in place of Mokoena, finished composedly as South Africa continued to press Eritrea.

Iqraam Rayners added the fourth goal in the 63rd minute, providing Bafana with a goal from a recognized forward after defenders had saved them in their initial qualifier against Guinea. Finally, Luther Singh sealed the 5-0 rout during the referee's stoppage time.

This triumph keeps Mosimane's squad firmly in command of their AFCON qualification journey, allowing South Africa to secure maximum points from their first two matches. Moving forward, Bafana will participate in a friendly against Egypt on Sunday before resuming qualification fixtures later in the campaign.

The Bafana Bafana national team coach, Pitso Mosimane, emphasized the significance of Themba Zwane in the squad, noting his deep knowledge of the players and tactical awareness. He also pointed to a key assist from Yanela Mbuthuma, which contributed to the team's victory over Guinea.

About Bafana Bafana

Mosimane spent significant time speaking with Zwane during the CAF Confederation Cup qualifying match on Saturday at the Orlando Amstel Arena stadium when the score between Bafana and Guinea was tied at 1-1. A few minutes after this conversation, Mosimane brought Yanela Mbuthuma onto the field.

The tall forward, who has mixed relations with local fans, was warmly received by the public. He justified the coach's trust by providing an assist that allowed Samukele Kabini to score the decisive goal.

When asked about the reasons for selecting Zwane, considering his age (37 years) and the fact that he did not come on as a substitute, he remained evasive but cited one of the reasons mentioned on Saturday. Mosimane stated that he spoke not only with Themba Zwane but with the entire team, including Lebone Sime. He acknowledged the difficulty of explaining his decision despite the player's age, stressing that Zwane is very important to him because he knows the team and its players well.

Zwane was not the only one who helped Mosimane decide who to bring on instead of Ikraam Reiners, besides teammate Mbuthuma and Lebone Sime. Mosimane added that Sime also contributed. The coach noted that he needs a true number 9 striker because Cassius is smart, but a player specifically for that position was required. Sometimes Ronwen Williams might spot the right player, and then it becomes clear that the ball could have gone to Ikraam Reiners if he had turned.

Mbuthuma also had the opportunity to cement his appearance late in the game but failed to complete the pass. Nevertheless, Mosimane was pleased with his efforts and overall impact on the team. He stated that Mbuthuma provided an assist, and he is not the 'flashy' player typically sought after. Mosimane clarified that he signed players at Sundowns similar to Cuthbert Malajile, who were exactly like that, and therefore Mbuthuma can help the team by having a physical presence in set-piece situations.

Pitsso Mosimane has returned to lead the Bafana Bafana national team during an interesting period, as the number of South African footballers playing overseas grows, and many of them arrive at the camp in encouraging form.

The main figure is Relobokhile Mofokeng, who noted his challenge with the national team after scoring his first Europa League goal for Royal Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday. The 21-year-old player demonstrated an impressive start to his European career after moving from Orlando Pirates, scoring four goals since his transfer to Belgium.

Mofokeng is also among the players Mosimane mentioned as part of the next generation he intends to develop; the coach has already highlighted his versatility and ability to influence the game from different positions.

Another player is Tapelo Maseko, who is settling into Denmark after moving from Mamelodi Sundowns to FC Copenhagen. Maseko scored twice in his first start for Copenhagen in the team's 5-0 victory over OB earlier this month, which was an early sign of what he can offer in a new environment.

This winger was one of Bafana's bright performers at the 2026 World Cup, scoring the winning goal against South Korea, and his move to Europe gives him another platform for development.

Puso Dithejane may have become one of the biggest beneficiaries of moving abroad. The Chicago Fire forward has been recognized for his strong form in Major League Soccer, including being named club player of the month in July and August. His performances led to his first call-up to the Bafana starting lineup under Mosimane and could provide the coach with another attacking option in the upcoming international window.

However, the overseas contingent is not limited to goalscorers. Olwetu Mahanya has established himself at Scottish giant Rangers after moving from Stellenbosch, while Shandre Campbell continues his European journey with Belgian club KV Kortrijk. Campbell moved to Kortrijk from Club Brugge after 11 appearances in the Belgian Pro League last season, and his involvement is another sign of the growing number of young South Africans testing themselves outside the country.

Meanwhile, Mahanya represents an important addition to defensive options after his move to Scotland. The Rangers defender is among several central defenders competing for spots under Mosimane, although the coach faces a different selection problem in defense compared to the abundance of attacking options available to him.

The overall picture is encouraging. South Africa's thirty-man squad for the upcoming international window includes nine players based abroad, including Mofokeng, Maseko, Dithejane, Mahanya, and Campbell. They are following a path that South African football increasingly desires for its young players—testing themselves against different opponents, adapting to various football cultures, and fighting for permanent places abroad.

For Mosimane, this creates competition. And if goals, minutes, and appearances continue, it could give Bafana a new dimension as the new coach begins to build his squad.