SEDIBENG.- Vaal Triangle football sensation, Relebohile Mofokeng, made a highly impressive debut at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, helping Bafana Bafana fight back to secure a 1-1 draw against Czechia.

The talented Orlando Pirates forward was introduced as a second-half substitute with Bafana Bafana trailing 1-0. Mofokeng made an immediate impact on the match, bringing the team together with his clever movement both on and off the ball.

He quickly began to dictate the pace of the game.

Known for his forward passing, he quickly began to dictate the pace of the game, and South Africa looked far more purposeful in attack following his introduction.

It was only a matter of time before Bafana Bafana equalised from a penalty kick. Fellow Vaal-based player Thapelo Maseko, who was also making his world cup debut, played a key role in winning the penalty. From that point on, Bafana Bafana dominated Czechia, with Mofokeng, Maseko, Teboho Mokoena, and Oswin Appollis leading a fierce attack.

It was a proud moment with a mix of emotion to see Rele playing his best football on the biggest stage in the world.

It has been an incredible journey for Mofokeng, rising from the dusty Sharpeville soccer grounds to the world stage.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, his father, Sechaba Mofokeng, shared that the entire family stood up in excitement when Relebohile entered the pitch. He explained that the family had been waiting for this moment and could hardly believe it had finally arrived.

“It was a proud moment with a mix of emotion to see Rele playing his best football on the biggest stage in the world.  As his parents, we are really proud to see our son use his God-given talent on the global stage. We spoke to him after the game, and he was excited about his performance,” said Mofokeng’s father.

The upcoming clash is a must-win game for South Africa.

Following his brilliant display, Mofokeng is now a strong favourite to start for Bafana Bafana in their final Group A match against South Korea next week Wednesday.

This upcoming clash is a must-win game for South Africa if they wish to qualify for the knockout stages of the global tournament.

Meanwhile, Tshepang Moremi, who also hails from Sharpeville in the Vaal, is still waiting to make his first world cup appearance.