Pitsso Mosimane calls for patience ahead of South Africa vs Egypt match

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.

The coach of the Bafana Bafana national team, Pitsa Mosimane, expressed high praise for Oswin Apollos for his impressive performance during the team's convincing 5-0 victory over Eritrea on Wednesday evening. He also called Relebokhile Mofokeng a top-class player.

Bafana Bafana

Relebokhile Mofokeng became a central figure in Bafana Bafana's bright victory over Eritrea. Previously, Mosimane had criticized Apollos after the match against Guinea, stating that the player needed to contribute more to the team's defensive actions and not play exclusively in his usual style at Orlando Pirates.

However, in the second qualifying match against Eritrea, held at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Apollos demonstrated one of his best performances for Bafana, playing with composure and showing strong connection with his teammates. He provided an assist to Mofokeng and was involved in the scoring by Ikraam Reyners and Luther Singa.

Mosimane noted his satisfaction with Apollos's game, stating: 'I am satisfied with three assists from Apollos. He can play anywhere—on the flanks, cutting inside, and all that.'

The coach added that Apollos is a good player and helped Luther Singa get an opportunity for a strong return after a long absence.

Singa, who returned to the Bafana squad after a five-year break, effectively utilized his time, quickly forming combinations with the rest of the attacking line. Mosimane emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting: 'Even Luther scored two good goals, which shows that the players are united and there is no selfishness. It is all about teamwork.'

The evening belonged to Mofokeng. The young forward showed his maturity, applying valuable skills gained at the club level with Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the national team. Mofokeng first capitalized on an assist from Apollos early in the first half to score the first goal from close range. He then completed a brace with his characteristic calm and skill, beating defenders before sending the ball past goalkeeper Jonathan Sultana.

In conclusion, Mosimane stated: 'Rele showed his class. What class. Rele is a top player!' Shephelo Sithole and Ikraam Reyners were also involved in the scoring. Mosimane hopes that the team will continue this successful run in the upcoming friendly match against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.