Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed strong confidence in Relebohile Mofokeng and Elias Mokwana, believing the exciting duo can make a real impact at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco.
Broos announced his final 25-man squad on Monday, and while there were few surprises, the inclusion of Mofokeng and Mokwana stood out after both players had missed several recent international fixtures.
Mofokeng, who sat out Bafana’s last five matches due to injury and fitness concerns, has rediscovered his form at Orlando Pirates in recent weeks. The 19-year-old winger has been instrumental in the Buccaneers’ recent upturn, earning Man of the Match honours in their 2–0 victory over Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
“About Relebohile Mofokeng, you know I like him because he is a talented player,” Broos said. “He had a few problems over the past few months with an injury, but I was happy to see him back playing again for Pirates. Because of that, I didn’t doubt one second to select him.”
Mokwana, meanwhile, has also earned his way back into the national setup following a strong spell at his new club Al-Hazem in Saudi Arabia. The 24-year-old winger left Esperance in Tunisia earlier this year and has impressed in a slightly different role for his new side.
“He [Mokwana] is in good shape, and you know I like wingers who are quick and have action — Elias is someone like that,” Broos explained. “At Al-Hazem, they’ve even been using him as a striker, which gives us more flexibility if we need him in that position.”
Broos also named Thabo Moloisane, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Iqraam Rayners on standby, explaining that the trio will remain in South Africa, training and maintaining fitness in case they are called up.
Among the few surprise inclusions were Tylon Smith, the U-20 Afcon Player of the Tournament, and promising attacker Shandre Campbell. Broos described both as players for the future but stressed that they will benefit greatly from the Afcon experience.
“They are talented young players who need to see what it’s like at this level,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to adapt, learn, and feel what it means to be part of Bafana Bafana.”
Broos’ final squad combines experience and youthful promise — and with Mofokeng and Mokwana back in form, South Africa’s prospects in Morocco look brighter than ever.
