Relebohile Mofokeng won't be wasted out wide against Panama, explains Bafana head coach Hugo Broos

Mofokeng has been one of Pirates' standout players over the past two seasons, although he saw a dip in form this season before finding his feet again with a hat-trick in the recent 6-0 Betway Premiership 6-0 thrashing of TS Galaxy.

Mofokeng has been used in a variety of attacking positions by the Buccaneers but Broos feels his optimal role is behind the striker, where he can better control the game.

Bafana take on Panama at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday and at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday as part of their 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations.

"This season, little by little he has been coming (back)," explained the Bafana boss.

"He is also in a different position, more central, and I think that is the future for Rele.

"He can play on the wing against an opponent that is not strong. But against strong opponents, he is not a winger. He doesn't have the explosivity, the dribbling past a player down the line.

"His quality is his intelligence, giving good passes, using the spaces, that is what Rele is best at.

“He is coming to Bafana to play in that (central) position, not on the wing.”