Orlando Pirates have several talented players on their books but youngster Relebohile Mofokeng shines like a beacon. And there’s more to come.
Is Mofokeng the real deal?
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 last season’s 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.
Rele knows how to play ball
Now a regular for Bafana Bafana, Mofokeng already looks so comfortable at the elite level of South African football. His languid, fluid style lends itself well to the frenetic pace of the Betway Premiership and he can slow things down and then accelerate again as he pleases. Mofokeng is an inverted, right-footed winger operating on the left-hand side, adept at going inside or outside his marker, making him the perfect modern winger and a complete nightmare for opposition defenders and managers. Mofokeng also takes up central positions to score crucial goals. He’s been on the score sheet in two separate cup finals for the Buccaneers and he just turned 20 today. From humble beginnings with the Transnet School of Excellence, this Sharpeville-born footballer has the world at his feet. This guy wouldn’t look out of place in Europe’s top divisions and already plays like a veteran.
Mofokeng to Europe?
Former Bucs development coach Mandla Qhogi isn’t pulling any punches about where he sees Rele’s future playing 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.
Nkota stepping up to the plate
19-year-old Mohau Nkota has clearly seen his teammate Relebohile Mofokeng in action for the Pirates first team. The Buccaneers beat AmaZulu 2-0 on Friday night, and winger Nkota bagged both goals. He could have also had more, but a brace will suffice for a youngster still finding his way in a team with plenty of good players.
Is Nkota the real deal?
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