WATCH | Mofokeng, Dithejane offer Bafana timely boost ahead of AFCON qualifiers

AFTER a patch of strong showing for Chicago Fire winger Puso Dithejane is a shoe in for upcoming Bafana Bafana Afcon qualifiers.

Relebohile Mofokeng and Puso Dithejane are finding their rhythm at the perfect time for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Chicago Fire, respectively, ahead of Bafana Bafana’s 2027 Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea this month.

Mofokeng netted his second goal for Saint-Gilloise in the Jupiler Pro League during their 3-0 victory over Sint-Truidense VV on Wednesday. He struck the third goal of the match, curling home a brilliant finish from inside the box.

That strike marked Mofokeng's second league goal in Belgium since his high-profile transfer from Orlando Pirates following Bafana Bafana’s Fifa World Cup campaign where they finished in the Round of 32.

Meanwhile, Dithejane has enjoyed a breathtaking restart with the Chicago Fire post-World Cup. He earned the club's July/August Player of the Month award on Wednesday after contributing four goals and three assists across all competitions.

Dithejane’s impressive form comes at a crucial juncture as Bafana begin a new era under coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of the qualifiers for the continental showpiece in the Pamoja region.

Mosimane needs every in-form player available, especially with four regulars – Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Khuliso Mudau – sidelined by injury.

Bafana’s defensive stability should be further bolstered by the fact that goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is in peak form, having recently delivered a Player of the Match performance during Mamelodi Sundowns' 2-0 win over Milford on Wednesday night.

Given these circumstances, it is vital that the striking unit complements the team’s defensive strength. Consequently, Mofokeng and Dithejane must maintain their impressive club form heading into the upcoming international break.