Benni McCarthy takes aim at Hugo Broos over Relebohile Mofokeng as former Orlando Pirates star proves doubters wrong.

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Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has taken a swipe at Hugo Broos for saying that Relebohile Mofokeng would struggle in the Belgian Pro League, adding that he is pleased with how the attacker has adapted so far.

Mofokeng has enjoyed a fine start to life at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise following his move from Orlando Pirates, scoring five goals and registering four assists in 17 matches across all competitions for the club.

His immediate adaptation has seen him grow in leaps and bounds, showing the ability to be a key figure for Bafana after playing an important role in three successive wins last month, including back-to-back qualifier victories over Guinea and Eritrea.

The 22-year-old will be eager to continue his rich vein of form when Bafana face Kenya in back-to-back Afcon qualifiers, starting at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday before the return leg in Nairobi next Tuesday.

McCarthy, who will lead the Harambee Stars against his home country – where he remains the all-time top scorer with 31 goals – recently spoke about Mofokeng’s progress. He touched on how the youngster has proven his doubters wrong, including former Bafana coach Broos, who previously questioned whether Mofokeng's slight build would hinder him abroad.

Ahead of the match against Bafana Bafana, Benni McCarthy praised Relebohile Mofokeng’s quick adaption to European football 🇿🇦 🔄 🇪🇺 “(Rele) proved Hugo Broos wrong, he’s gone to Belgium and proven his biggest critic wrong” 🎥 @SportyTV https://t.co/uSarbEw012

— Kamogelo Motecwane (@KamoMotecwane) November 10, 2026

“I think the biggest compliment I can give the boy is that he proved Hugo Broos wrong,” McCarthy said during an interview with SportyTV.

“Hugo Broos was highly critical of him, thinking that he was too small, he was too skinny, he was too petite, and he wasn’t up to European standards that he would not fit in.

"But he’s gone there, and he’s proven him wrong. He’s scored four goals and a couple assists already so early in the season.

“He’s proven his biggest critic wrong and that’s what I’m the most proud of the boy. And that shows that he’s South African blood and he's a survivor. He can survive anywhere. You put him in an uncomfortable situation, and he comes up top.”

While Mofokeng is enjoying his football, McCarthy advised him not to become complacent, urging him to finish the season strongly and potentially attract clubs that could see him feature in the Champions League next season.

“He just needs to continue, and keep on believing in himself,” McCarthy said. “That’s the biggest part of it all. He’ll then know that he'll pull himself out of any situation. He’s got to try and pull himself out of every uncomfortable situation he finds himself in, and then he’ll flourish. It’s a great stepping stone for him.”