Relebohile Mofokeng cemented the role of South Africa's talisman during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Czechia in Atlanta on Thursday night.
“Phakama, Relebohile Mofokeng, ixesha lifikile (Rise Relebohile Mofokeng, for the time has come).”
This message has been reverberating throughout the country, as Mofokeng is expected to start in Bafana Bafana’s must-win Group A clash against South Korea at Monterrey Stadium on Thursday at 3am.
Mofokeng is set to make his first start for Bafana against the Asians, replacing Teboho Mokoena, who is suspended for the match after receiving yellow cards against both Mexico and the Czech Republic.
Granted, Mofokeng and Mokoena are tactically distinct – the former is an attacker, while the latter is a defensive midfielder. However, rather than resorting to a more defensive shape against Korea, coach Hugo Broos is expected to prioritise attack.
