Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos introduced Relebohile Mofokeng in the second half of their match against the Czech Republic, and the young player made a strong impression.
Having missed the opening game against Mexico in the World Cup, the 21-year-old winger from Orlando Pirates replaced Jayden Adams and made an immediate impact off the bench.
With the additions of Kamohelo Sebelebele and Evidence Makgopa, Bafana fought back to secure a draw after Teboho Mokoena scored from the penalty spot.
Mofokeng’s eye-catching performance is likely to boost his chances of securing a move to Europe, especially with another group match still to play.
Speaking after the game, the Pirates star said that whether he starts or comes from the bench, he was ready to help the team.
“If I start on the game or on the bench, I will do my best,” Mofokeng said as per Sowetan.
“This is a difficult stage, and we are playing against some of the best teams. Sometimes the first half is difficult because we don’t know how opponents are going to play.”
“In the second half we made changes and tried different plans because we saw how they played in the first half.
“For myself, I followed the instructions from the coach and hopefully everything will go well for the next game.”
Mofokeng likely to start against South Korea
Bafana play their final group match against South Korea on Thursday, needing nothing but a win. Mofokeng is likely to start as a number 10 role with the likes of Thapelo Maseko and Oswin Appollis playing the supporting roles.