Doc Khumalo: Give Mofokeng what Shoes and I were given
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Bafana Bafana midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng. Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
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Doc Khumalo: Give Mofokeng what Shoes and I were given
Sep 30, 2026 – 09:02 am
By Siya Ndlela
Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs icon Doctor Khumalo has made a plea over the role of rising star Relebohile Mofokeng in the national team.
Khumalo believes national team prodigy Relebohile Mofokeng must be granted the same creative freedom that he and the late John “Shoes” Moshoeu flourished under during their playing days.
Speaking on SABC Sport’s SoccerZone, Khumalo insisted that restrictive tactical shackles only hinder a rare talent of Mofokeng’s calibre.
Both Khumalo and Moshoeu were the fundamental creative sparks for South Africa’s legendary 1996 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, and the former midfield maestro feels the national team must build their offensive strategy around unlocking Mofokeng’s flair.
“At the end of the day, let’s allow the boy to be himself. If you were to ask me how it feels to be given that freedom, this is what this boy needs.
“He cannot be given a task that when we are in possession we are in possession we need him again, we are going to drain his adrenaline.
“So give him the role that Shoes and I used to benefit from and have the people that will protect him.
“I mean, he has done it now recently in the Europa Cup – on the big stage. So let’s understand exactly what we need out of him versus us just sitting and not protecting him.
“When I’m talking about a player of his calibre, this is what South Africa needs, and he’s the only player at the moment that, when we look at the likes of Shoes, Ace Khuse and the likes, those players were protected. We don’t want to see them defending 100%.
“So when we are in possession, we know that we have what we call a transitional player. He has got a God-given talent; don’t mistreat Mofokeng. When he wants to do his thing, let him. Let him play.”
Khumalo’s remarks followed South Africa’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier under neutral territory.
Operating as a highly influential attacking midfielder in the left pocket, Mofokeng pulled the strings offensively and proved crucial in breaking down the stubborn Guinean defence before being substituted late in the second half.
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The 21-year-old Sharpeville-born starlet has fast become a core pillar for the senior men’s national side, having already racked up several highly impactful international appearances.
The former Orlando Pirates winger is rapidly coming of age on the European stage since his record-breaking move to Belgian Pro League outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Mofokeng has enjoyed an explosive start to the 2026/27 campaign in Belgium, registering three goals and one assist across six domestic league matches, alongside scoring a crucial goal on his UEFA Europa League debut against Viktoria Plzeň.
Up next, Bafana Bafana will look to maintain their perfect qualification record as they face Eritrea on Wednesday, 30 September, at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 SA time.