SEDIBENG.- Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie gave Relebohile Mofokeng a pat on the shoulder when Bafana Bafana arrived at OR Tambo International Airport from Morocco on Wednesday.

McKenzie was among the people who went to welcome the Bafana Bafana team at the airport after being eliminated from the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) by Cameroon on Sunday.

This Sharpeville-born young star blames himself for the defeat, saying that if he had converted an early chance, it might have changed the outcome of the game in favour of Bafana Bafana.

He told journalists that he took full responsibility for Bafana Bafana’s defeat, but many South Africans believed he had a great game.

Mofokeng had a great game despite the miss on the night.  He gave Cameroon players all sorts of trouble. Bafana Bafana created numerous scoring opportunities but failed to convert them before Cameroon took the lead.

This is what McKenzie said to Mofokeng, “You must not blame yourself; you win as a team and lose as a team. You played very well, and you must be proud of yourself.”

These words boosted Mofokeng’s confidence, who is regarded as a young football star. Mofokeng has been on everyone’s lips since he turned professional.

Orlando Pirates signed this exciting young talent from the School of Excellence.

Meanwhile, McKenzie has sent a strong message to those who say Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos must go. He said, “The coach is going nowhere.”