‘Mdala Blessing the Young Men’: Fans React as Hugo Broos Shows Faith in Relebohile Mofokeng

• A viral picture of Hugo Broos placing his hand on Relebohile Mofokeng’s head at Bafana training has caught fans’ attention
• Broos admitted transfer speculation has unsettled the 20-year-old, affecting his performances
• Despite a slow start to the season, Broos has kept Mofokeng in the squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers

On Monday, 1 September, the Bafana Bafana contingent trooped into training in preparation for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, set for Friday, 5 September, and Monday, 8 September, respectively.

A viral picture of head coach Hugo Broos placing his hand on Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng during the camp has stolen the spotlight.

Mofokeng has had an underwhelming start to the new season, following speculation in pre-season that he was on his way out of the PSL. When Broos announced his squad on Friday, he spoke highly of the youngster and reaffirmed his confidence in him despite the lukewarm start to the 2025/26 campaign.

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Broos has expressed concern over Mofokeng's dip in performance

The Belgian admitted that the uncertainty around Mofokeng’s future has taken its toll on the player. He pointed out that the constant talk of possible moves abroad, one day going, the next day staying, has unsettled him, and it is reflected in his performances, which are not at the same level as last season.

Broos stressed that dropping Mofokeng now would do more harm than good, saying it could “kill him” mentally. Instead, he has chosen to keep faith in the 20-year-old, while making it clear that he needs to improve in the coming weeks and months.

He added that although Mofokeng insists he is fine, it is impossible for a player not to be affected by months of speculation. Broos said the situation should be resolved soon, whether that means staying another year at Pirates or finally making a move abroad.

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Meanwhile, netizens have also reacted to Bafana Bafana’s preparations, with Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who scored against Manchester United on Saturday, 30 August, already in camp.

South Africans rally behind Bafana Bafana

Social media reactions:

@Mukovhe24:

“Mdala blessing the young men 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️”

@KB_Ramasimong:

“Lyle Foster always among the first in camp. Have noticed that as long as the match is not on a Sunday, he is always around by Monday. Good mentality in this group 💛💚”

@TinoMalinga:

“The commitment by Lyle is unmatched. He played and scored against Man United and already by Monday he reports for training in Mzansi.”

@Daddy_Ka_Aaryah:

“Wasn’t Foster playing just yesterday? I understand why sometimes players complain about the schedule.”

@mafemvula41215:

“Lesotho is not a mickey mouse team. We should focus on them first before thinking about Nigeria because the game against the Maseru boys is equally very important and we need all the points. Against Nigerians a draw won’t be bad, but I have a feeling we might lose against them.”

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@TshepoThathane:

“Damn, football life is fast. Lyle was in Manchester just on Saturday night.”

@sgegede03:

“Broos understands the importance of having star boy Rele Mofokeng in his squad 🙌”

@Tech_carnly:

“Wow, coach blessing the boy. Mofokeng must rise again, all is not lost. His turn is coming.”

@GoddardNgo34972:

“Good luck Bafana Bafana. We must beat Lesotho and I know Nigeria aka Oga nation will shoot themselves in the foot by playing to a draw with Rwanda. This is one of the best Bafana Bafana teams in a long time.”

@meerkatt01: “Prayers are with you.”

Take a look at the pictures below:

Lucas Radebe's son joins Orlando Pirates

Briefly News previously reported that Primo 9teen put his skills to the test alongside Orlando Pirates players during their pre-season tour in Marbella, Spain.

Comedian, actor, and TikTok sensation Ofentse “Primo 9teen” Baloyi took to the pitch with the Buccaneers during a rondo session at their Marbella training camp.

Source: Briefly News