Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has hinted that Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng could be left out of South Africa’s final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, citing inconsistency in the youngster’s recent performances.
The 21-year-old attacker, once a rising star in Broos’ setup, has struggled to replicate the form that first earned him national recognition. With the AFCON finals in Morocco drawing closer, the Belgian coach appears to be favouring players who have shown more stability and reliability throughout the season.
“Right now, I would say 75 to 80 percent of the squad is already in my mind,” Broos told journalists. “The remaining spots will depend on what happens in the next few weeks. Before 8 December, I will confirm the final AFCON squad.”
Broos went on to highlight some notable absentees from his current training group, revealing that Mofokeng and Siyabonga Ngezana are among those yet to convince him. “If you look at the current list, some names are missing. Mofokeng is not there, Ngezana is not there, and there are a few others as well,” he explained.
The veteran tactician acknowledged the growing competition for national team places, noting that several fringe players are performing strongly and could edge out more established names.
“It’s not easy — sometimes you have to choose between two good players. That’s part of the job,” Broos said. “Two years ago, ahead of AFCON in Ivory Coast, it was easier because the options were fewer. Now the challenge is much tougher.”
With less than a month to go before the final announcement, Mofokeng faces an uphill battle to rediscover his spark and convince Broos that he still belongs in South Africa’s AFCON 2025 squad.