Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos deals with another setback for the FIFA World Cup Qualifier. Image: Gallo Images.
(The Post News)-Two significant personnel setbacks for Bafana Bafana days before kick-off have severely impacted the national team’s preparations for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
After losing two important attacking players in rapid succession, coach Hugo Broos was forced to make last-minute changes to his team. Due to medical concerns, Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Iqraam Rayners have both left the club, hurting South Africa’s striking depth ahead of pivotal games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Rayners, who had been playing well at home, withdrew for unspecified medical concerns. In an official statement, the South African Football Association (SAFA) acknowledged his withdrawal, stating that the player was judged unfit to play in the forthcoming qualifiers.
Broos responded by calling up Orlando Pirates player Evidence Makgopa to take Rayners’ spot, intending to cover the gap with a man who can contribute both physical appearance and international ability on the forward line.
Only one day prior, Mofokeng’s injury had forced Broos to face yet another exasperating setback. Recently, the youthful Pirates winger made his debut in the senior national lineup, gaining recognition as a promising attacking alternative. His absence forced the technical staff to draft Mduduzi Shabalala, a midfielder, for Kaizer Chiefs.
Bafana Bafana’s strategy, scheduling, and preparation have been hampered by these consecutive absences, particularly considering the matches’ high stakes and hectic schedule.
Bafana Bafana to Face Rwanda and Zimbabwe
After hosting Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday, South Africa will travel to Mbombela to play Rwanda. Every point is crucial in the early phases of the qualification campaign, making both games crucial in the team’s pursuit of a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Broos now has to reorganize his striking setup while keeping momentum and attention because he has little time to incorporate the replacements. Although the coach had earlier stated that he was confident in the squad’s balance, the sudden loss of two aggressive players could have an effect on rhythm and chemistry at a critical moment.
The entire focus will be on Bafana Bafana’s ability to handle hardship and whether the recently called-up players can step up as the qualifiers get near.
About the Author
