Hugo Broos reveals his concern over Relebohile Mofokeng's uncertainty at Orlando Pirates and reveals why he did not drop him from Bafana Bafana - 'That would kill him, and I won’t do that'

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has expressed his concern about the uncertainty of Relebohile Mofokeng's future at Orlando Pirates.

Although he is concerned with the reported interest from clubs in Mofokeng and the drop in performance by the forward, Broos explains why he selected him in Bafana's final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"I think for the moment, it’s a bit too much for him, all this interest from teams – and he’s going there, then he’s not going, and you see that in his performances. He’s not playing at the same level he played before," Broos said.

"I can’t do that, maybe I have to do and say okay, I’ll (drop him). That would kill him, and I won’t do that. But Rele has to know also, even if he’s Rele Mofokeng, that in the next weeks and months, he has to be better again," he added.

The Belgian expressed his hope that the transfer matter will be sorted soon so that the Bafana forward can settle and focus.

"He has excuses (reasons), even though they are saying he says no (he is fine); you can’t get that out of your head. And it’s not two weeks; it’s been two or three months of this. As a player, if you’re going, then not going, then I’m going, then I’m not going... It’s not good," Broos added.

"So, let’s hope that problem is solved as soon as possible and that Rele knows he’s staying one more year at Pirates or that he gets a transfer,” he continued.

Mofokeng is yet to hit his peak, as was witnessed last season with the Sea Robbers in seven games. He has started the season slowly and has so far not scored a goal or provided an assist.

The youngster's future has been a subject of uncertainty, as he has been linked with many clubs, although nothing has materialised yet.

Despite the uncertainty with his future, which Broos links to his slow start to the season, the Bucs star was included in Bafana's World Cup qualifying squad.

It remains to be seen whether Broos will name him in his starting XI that will play Lesotho and Nigeria.

Bafana will first face Lesotho on September 5 before an encounter against the Super Eagles four days later.