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Beni-Rele has scored four goals in his first stretch of the European season, and many South African supporters see it as the best reply to a doubter. The young forward was reportedly once dismissed by former Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos as too slight and too small for top-level competition. Now he is among his club's leading contributors, even though the campaign is still young.
Broos allegedly told people close to him during his time in charge that Beni-Rele did not have the physical presence that European football demands. He reportedly described the attacker as too petite and not strong enough to compete at that level. Those remarks have been circulating widely among South African fans, and many say they have aged badly given the striker's start. Alongside his four goals, he has also provided several assists in his opening appearances.
A source close to the player told this publication that the achievement means more than the numbers. "He's proven his biggest critic wrong, and that's what I'm the most proud of," the source said. The source added that the forward faced every difficult challenge placed in front of him instead of avoiding the pressure. These comments are unverified and have not been confirmed by the player himself.
Under Broos, Bafana Bafana went through a period marked by debate over squad selections. The coach often preferred physically strong attackers to leaner players with more technical skill. Beni-Rele's omission from key squads in that period frustrated supporters, who saw him perform consistently for his club while a national call-up did not come.
His early form stands out because most strikers are still finding their rhythm at this stage of a season. Reports say his four goals have matched what some teammates needed half a campaign to collect, and that scouts from rival clubs have taken notice. Many fans have also been sharing his numbers on social media.
It is not yet clear whether South Africa's current national coaching staff will act on this form before the next international window closes. Supporters are asking how many goals he needs to score before the call finally comes.