The recent move of Relobokhile Mofokeng to Europe could serve as a model for the South African national team (Bafana Bafana) and young South African players. Pitso Mosimane believes that Mofokeng possesses innate talent, but insists that the player must convert this ability into a higher number of goals scored.
Mofokeng demonstrated his abilities by scoring two goals in the 5-0 match against Eritrea in Cairo. These goals were his first senior international goals in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, in which South Africa secured its second victory out of two.
Before the match against Eritrea, Mofokeng's only goal for the national team was scored in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, which was reviewed. As a result, the 21-year-old footballer played 17 matches for the national team without scoring before finally breaking the drought against Eritrea, and Mosimane believes that goals should now become a regular part of his game.
Mosimane demands more goals
Mosimane stated that Relo is an outstanding player who demonstrates the reasons for his move to Europe, and that he scores there, which is the most important thing. He emphasized: "Relo must score goals."
After moving from Orlando Pirates to Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, Mofokeng did indeed start scoring. In nine matches across all competitions for the Belgian club, he scored four goals and provided one assist, including three goals in the Belgian Pro League and one goal in his debut Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen.
The coach noted: "We know what he can do with the ball, he is a magician, a smart player, but I told him that he needs to score goals because dozens score goals, not just provide assists or play between the lines; you have to score goals, but we are not teaching him anything, he is simply a gift from God."
Mofokeng fully confirmed Mosimane's words in the match against Eritrea. After hitting the crossbar at the beginning of the match, he opened the scoring in the 19th minute following a pass from Oswin Apollos. He then doubled the lead shortly before halftime, receiving the ball in the penalty area, beating defenders, and sending the ball into the far corner.
This individual class has become Mofokeng's trademark, but Mosimane wishes for the young player to combine this artistry with greater consistency in front of the goal.
The South African national team showed a five-star performance in Cairo. The national team coach had previously spoken about the importance of developing a new generation ahead of the 2030 World Cup, and Mofokeng is expected to be an important part of this group. Nevertheless, Mosimane's immediate task is simple: to continue showing productivity. Mofokeng started doing this in Belgium and impressively opened his scoring for the South African national team. Now the coach wants the goals to keep coming.