Abdeslam Ouaddou Provides Update on Relebohile Mofokeng’s Injury Ahead of Bafana Bafana Duty

Abdeslam Ouaddou Provides Update on Relebohile Mofokeng’s Injury Ahead of Bafana Bafana Duty

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou has commented on Relebohile Mofokeng's injury in Orlando Pirates' win over Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup clash on Saturday
  • The Moroccan tactician spoke about the player's chances of reporting to international duty with Bafana Bafana for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda
  • Social media users also aired their thoughts on Mofokeng joining the Bafana Bafana camp despite being injured

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Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared a new update about Relebohile Mofokeng's injury ahead of resuming international duty with Bafana Bafana.

Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs.
Relebohile Mofokeng in action during Orlando Pirates' clash with Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Phill Magakoe
Source: Getty Images

The youngster was included in Hugo Broos' 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

The 20-year-old was stretchered off just after the hour mark during the Soweto giants' 1-0 win over Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup on Saturday, October 4, 2025. He could be replaced by another player if he fails to recover in time for the two important qualifiers.

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Ouaddou discusses Mofokeng's injury

In an interview after the game, Ouaddou spoke about Mofokeng's injury and his chances of teaming up with his other Bafana Bafana teammates for the last round of the World Cup qualifiers.

The Moroccan tactician failed to give a definite answer on whether the youngster will join the Bafana Bafana camp or would withdraw from the squad.

“To be honest, we just finished the game, so I can’t say much about Rele right now,” Ouaddou said.
“He played about an hour and did well. I’m happy with his performance. We’ll assess the situation and see if he’s okay or not for Bafana Bafana, but for now, there’s not much more I can add.”
Abdeslam Ouaddou, Relebohile Mofokeng.
Abdeslam Ouaddou shares new information about Relebohile Mofokeng's injury. Photo: abde.4
Source: Instagram

Fans react to Ouaddou's update on Mofokeng

Rodri10C wrote:

"We saw his knee. The player deserves time to rest."

Elphas Ngcobo said:

"Let the boy rest to recover in time for AFCON in December."

B.E.N.Z.O shared:

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"Don’t risk it coach. Rele mustn’t go to the national team. Ta Hugo doesn’t rate him even."

Bheki Sikhosana responded:

"The great Khali 's having a lot of players. He must rest the boy coz he's playing with an injury, hence making it worse."

NG04 reacted:

"Trying to run down the boy? We see you, his knee was trapped and it didn’t look good, the coach got a very good depth but chose to play unfit Rele for an hour😭 evil."

Bomza Ngqandu commented:

"I told most of my friends before this happens one injury to mofokeng we will never be same this boy deserves to play overseas it doesn't matter where he must leave s.a before ibhola lakhe liphele."

Madenzo Danny added:

"Knee injury can be problematic I think Hugo should drop him for Shabalala let the boy rest and treat his injury."

Since earning his first-team promotion in July 2023, Mofokeng has made 101 appearances in all competitions for Orlando Pirates, contributing 18 goals and registering 22 assists.

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Ouaddou explains Mofokeng's new role

Briefly News also reported that Ouaddou opened up Mofokeng's new role since he arrived at Orlando Pirates from Marumo Gallants.

The Moroccan coach shed light on why the Bafana Bafana star has shifted into a more central attacking position this season despite playing as a winger last campaign.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@sportsbrief.com.