Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng’s former coach has made a big claim about the talented Bafana Bafana star’s future.
Mofokeng’s former coach makes a bold statement
Former Bucs development coach Mandla Qhogi isn’t pulling any punches about where he sees Relebohile Mofokeng’s future panning out.
Via SoccerLaduma:
“For me, it will be a good time for him to go overseas. It is the right time and there are things that he would learn if he were to move now at this stage of his career. The more we keep him this side it could mean that we are delaying him. He is 20, and I think it is the right time for him to move if he has to be sold overseas,” said Qhogi, speaking exclusively to SoccerLaduma.
“What stands out about him for me is his individual intelligence and game awareness. He knows when to dribble an opponent, and when to pass the ball. He is also very brave when it comes to facing a challenging situation on the field, and he always knows what to do; he’s not afraid of any opponent, irrespective of the size of the body. With his small body structure, he knows how to deal with bigger and physically strong opponents. I have seen him dominating in 1V1 situations with opponents like that. His cleverness in knowing when to take a surprise shot at the goalkeeper and other qualities are some of the things we saw in him and liked,” the coach added.
Orlando Pirates’ new big game player
Orlando Pirates’ come-from-behind 3-1 win against Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final secured a three-peat in that competition. They are the first side in the PSL era to achieve that feat. 19-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng got himself on the score sheet, something he also did in the recent Nedbank Cup final win over Sundowns. On that occasion, his was the decisive 95th-minute strike. He repeated the trick against Stellies, scoring in the 96th minute to make the trophy safe for Pirates after a controversial stoppage-time goal from Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Milestones aplenty
Mofokeng was voted the Young Player of the Season in 2023-2024, a campaign culminating in Bafana Bafana recognition. He has nine goals and 10 assists for the Sea Robbers in his fledgling career and notched 52 appearances for the club. He turns 20 years old on Wednesday 23 October. Pirates continued their 100% start to the season on Tuesday with a workmanlike 2-0 win over SuperSport. Evidence Makgopa and Deon Hotto bagged the goals. That’s four wins from four in the league.
Where should Mofokeng move to next? More importantly, when should he do so?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.
