Head coach Hugo Broos has shed some light on the selection of Orlando Pirates' rising star Relebohile Mofokeng into the final 23-man Bafana Bafana squad to take on Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa is set to take on Nigeria on 7 June in Uya, Nigeria, before returning home to host Zimbabwe on 11 June in Bloemfontein.
Ahead of the trip to the West African country, one of two new faces in Broos' Bafana is Pirates' Mofokeng, who has been sensational for the Buccaneers this season.
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The 19-year-old has contributed four goals and seven assists in 37 appearances from all competitions in his second season of top-flight football.
Speaking on SABC Sport after the squad announcement, the Belgian praised the youngster's work ethic but warned that he would not be a starter.
"With young players, you have to be a little bit careful," Broos said.
"From the moment he played with Pirates, everyone saw that, 'Okay, wow! That's a guy with quality'. You can have a good period and have a down period, but with him, there was no down period.
"So, every game he was there and he has something. You can't explain it. He is always there.
"And it's not one thing, he is not doing only his offensive work, but he is also doing his defensive work.
"I would not ask that he defend or tackle, but no, his position is good. So, we analysed very well and I think I should have been crazy from my side not to take him with us.
"Even if he is only 19 and even if he doesn't have international experience, one day he has to take [get] the international experience, so we will see."
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"He will not be with us as a standard player, but maybe when things don't go well in a game, you can put him in the last 20 minutes. He is a guy that can force something."
Siyabonga Ngezana is the other new player who has not featured under Broos but has done enough to impress the Belgian.
Lyle Foster also returns to the national team set-up for the first time since mid-October 2023.
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