‘We need a Tsotsi’: Vilakazi demands Rele Mofokeng start in AFCON decider

With Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2025 survival hanging in the balance, legendary midfielder Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi has called on head coach Hugo Broos to abandon his conservative tactics and embrace South African flair for Monday’s decisive Group B clash against Zimbabwe.

Following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Egypt, South Africa enters the Stade de Marrakech this evening (18:00) needing at least a point to guarantee a spot in the Round of 16 of the 2025 AFCON. However, Vilakazi believes playing for a draw with a defensive mindset is a recipe for disaster.

As we continue to count down to our final Group B clash against COSAFA neighbours Zimbabwe this afternoon!!

⚽️ Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 vs 🇿🇦 South Africa
🗓 29 December 2025
⏰️ 18h00 (SA time)
🏟 Stade de Marrakech #BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @CastleLagerSA @HonorAfrica @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/uF2uy2X42R

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 29, 2025

Ditch the “Triple-Six” System For AFCON Decider

Speaking on the SmashSports podcast, the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana star was vocal about his dissatisfaction with the midfield structure used against the Pharaohs. Broos opted for a defensive-heavy trio, a move Vilakazi argues stifled the team’s creative engine.

“Let me put it clear and straightforward,” Vilakazi said. “You cannot have a team without a thinker. This thing of playing three defensive midfielders, we must forget about it.”

AFCON: The “Wizard and the Tsotsi”

Vilakazi’s solution involves a total engine-room overhaul. He has proposed a midfield “magic triangle” featuring Teboho Mokoena as the anchor (6), Sipho Mbule as the creative link (8), and teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng in the playmaker role (10).

Explaining his selection of Mofokeng, Vilakazi used a classic South African footballing term to describe the X-factor needed to break down a stubborn Zimbabwean defence.

“Mfethu uyasidinga isigebengu, bru wami uyamdinga utsotsi [My brother, you need a ball wizard—a player with exceptional vision and tricks]. Rele has that,” Vilakazi explained. “Mbule can create from deep as well as upfront. He knows how to occupy those spaces.”

Vilakazi’s proposed XI for the AFCON tie is an unapologetic “all-out attack” blueprint. In addition to the creative midfield, he wants to see Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis on the wings supporting Lyle Foster, while demanding that full-backs Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba play almost as wingers.

“I would tell these two [Mudau and Modiba]: ‘If I see you staying back, I will take you out.’ You have to take risks in football. If you want to win, you have to put pressure on them,” the Soweto-born legend added.