Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams Praised for 'Tactics' to Allow Relebohile Mofokeng Make SA Debut

• Relebohile Mofokeng made his debut for the Bafana Bafana of South Africa against Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
• Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams played a huge role in ensuring the Pirates youngster saw action before the tie ended
• South Africa defeated Zimbabwe to give their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes a crucial boost by moving to second in Group C

Mamelodi Sundowns duo, Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena, ensured Relebohile Mofokeng made his South Africa debut against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old replaced Oswin Appolis in injury time as Bafana Bafana secured a 3-1 victory at home to boost their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes.

Mofokeng nearly missed the chance to play his first match for South Africa as the game was almost done while he was preparing on the sidelines to come on.

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In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Mokoena deployed a genius move by kicking the ball outside to allow for the substitution to take effect.

Williams, the goalkeeper, then gave the Orlando Pirates star his first touch on his Bafana Bafana debut by passing him the ball before the referee's final whistle.

Fans praise Williams and Mokoena

@Makonko_M posted:

"Ronwen Williams asked coach Hugo Broos to give Relebohile Mofokeng the last few minutes. Teboho Mokoena kicked the ball outside the pitch so that Rele could make his way onto the field. Mokoena gives Rele the first touch in the colors of Bafana Bafana. CLASS, LOVE & UNITY"

@TheeSportsGuy01 commented:

"Teboho Mokoena passed the ball out for this young man to make his debut. Themba Zwane passes him for his 1st ever Bafana touch. We have a SOLID national team with PROPER HUMAN BEINGS"

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@Anlelefumba wrote:

"Appreciation post for Teboho Mokoena: he kicked out the ball to allow Mofokeng to make his debut for Bafana Bafana in the seconds. Leader"

@KayG015 added:

"Teboho Mokoena kicked the ball out of play so Mofokeng could debut. Thanks Mrembula"

Mofokeng enjoyed a decent campaign in the South African league, earning him a place in Hugo Broos' team. The Pirates youngster scored three goals and provided five assists in the just-ended campaign, per Transfermarkt.

After the win over Zimbabwe on June 10, South Africa moved to joint-top with Rwanda after four matches in Group C of the qualifiers on the continent.

Broos praises super sub Morena

Sports Brief also previously reported that Hugo Broos praised Thapelo Morena's outstandin effort in the second half as South Africa beat Zimbabwe.

The Belgian trainer replaced Elias Mokwana with Morena at the start of the second half, with the latter going on to net a brace in Bafana Bafana's win.

The 2026 World Cup qualifier victory saw South Africa climb to second place in Group C, level on points with leaders, Rwanda, after four matches.