Doctor Khumalo explains how Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng's absence might affect Bafana Bafana in crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Relebohile Mofokeng was injured while in action for Orlando Pirates, and that has seen him ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Bafana Bafana play against Zimbabwe on Sunday and Rwanda on Tuesday.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala has replaced Mofokeng in the national side.

Former Bafana dribbling wizard, Doctor Khumalo, feels that whenever Mofokeng is around, his presence exerts pressure on those who play in the same position.

"I think it’s a big blow for Bafana Bafana, we really needed him [Mofokeng] for these two games," Khumalo said on SABC Sport as per KickOff.
"Because he is one of the pillars in the national team. Also, he sacrifices a social factor in the squad, because they have been camping together – there is that continuation off the field.  
"But also, when he’s sitting on the bench, the one who’s playing in his position feels that if I don’t perform, Rele is there to play," added the Kaizer Chiefs great.

"Above that, the coach has alluded to the fact that Mdu is the right choice, and we will go with that."

Mofokeng is not around at a time when Bafana are in a swim-or-sink moment and cannot afford to drop points.

They are second in Group C following a three-point deduction by FIFA for fielding a suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.

Hugo Broos' side is pressing to reclaim top spot from Benin, who now lead the log.

Bafana will hope that their closest rivals, Benin, lose to Nigeria and Rwanda.

But they would also want to make life easier for themselves by not entirely relying on Benin to lose.