Mexico coach Javier Aguirre backs Rele Mofokeng to move to Europe

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre has praised Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng, saying he expects the player to move to Europe. Aguirre made the comments ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener between South Africa and Mexico; kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 on Thursday.

High praise from Mexico’s coach

Aguirre singled out Mofokeng when discussing South Africa’s squad, describing the Orlando Pirates winger as a player he admires and comparing him to Mexican youngster Gilberto Mora.

“Mofokeng, I really like him. He’ll go to Europe, he’s like Mora [of Mexico], a real player,”

Respect for South Africa’s team

The 67-year-old coach said South Africa have done well and described them as a strong side blending styles. He noted the presence of a Belgian coach and mentioned players from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

“South Africa have done well. They are a fierce team, not exactly with an African style, but a mix with European football,”

Aguirre’s past meetings with Bafana Bafana

The article records Aguirre’s previous results against South Africa: as Mexico coach he lost 2-1 to Bafana in the Gold Cup in 2005 and drew 1-1 in the 2010 World Cup. It also notes that in 2019, while coaching Egypt, he lost 1-0 to South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Match context

Aguirre said he has the utmost respect for the South African players and warned it will not be an easy game. He also referenced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams when recalling the 2019 Africa Cup meeting.

“You beat us (Egypt) in the [2019 Africa Cup of Nations] and I hate you for that. (Ronwen) Williams is the only one left from the Africa Cup, there aren’t many left,”

The comments come ahead of the opening fixture between Bafana Bafana and Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.