It was a proud moment for young Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, who made his Bafana Bafana debut.
This coming in the dying minutes of Bafana’s 3-1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier victory over neighbours Zimbabwe.
Bafana put Zimbabwe away
On a chilli evening in Bloemfontein, Bafana played their part I trying to warm the fans up. This through an Iqraam Rayners opener, which came in the first 30 seconds of the game. The Stellenbosch FC striker capitalised from a defensive error from the visitors, to slot home. Not to be outdone, Zimbabwe struck back in the very next attack of the game, to level matters, however.
The second half would see the hosts step it up a notch, and a brace from substitute Thapelo Morena helped. The speedy Mamelodi Sundowns star’s first goals for Bafana proved to be decisive, seeing Hugo Broos’ men rise up to second on the table. They are now on seven points, and are behind Rwanda only on goal difference. Their next qualifier will be against another neighbouring nation in Lesotho in March next year.
Mofokeng pays tribute to idol Lorch?
With the score at 3-1, Broos used the opportunity to hand an international debut to Mofokeng. This being just reward for the teenager’s great form in his breakout season at Pirates. Ultimately he was able to at least have a touch the ball, in what was undoubtedly a fulfilling moment and he couldn’t stop smiling.
Mofokeng also seemed to use the opportunity to pay tribute to idol and former Pirates teammate Thembinkosi Lorch. This was through wearing his Buccaneers number three jersey. Now, it isn’t clear nor 100% confirmed, but seeing that the now Sundowns man is also a Free State native it might add up. There are very few other reasons why an attacker would opt for a jersey number used primarily by defenders, left-backs to be more precise.
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