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Broos urges Mofokeng to remain in SA

todayMay 31, 2024 465 1

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Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 match between Orlando Pirates and Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on the 08 May 2024 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has urged Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng to remain patient and stay at Pirates before thinking of moving abroad.

Mofokeng has become a firm fan favourite following an impressive first season in top-flight football which has seen him being nominated for the PSL Young Player of the Season Award.

In his first full season at Pirates, Mofokeng has already attracted the attention of overseas clubs, including Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers who invited him for trials in January.

However, Broos is of the view that Mofokeng needs more time in the PSL and to also play CAF Champions League football before he can be ready to move overseas.

“I said the same thing about [Cassius] Mailula [who was sold by Mamelodi Sundowns to Major League Soccer club Toronto FC in the US before the start of 2023-2024 season]. This is not the right moment [for Mofokeng] to go overseas,” he said.

“He [Mofokeng] played, what, 18 games? OK, but it’s his first season. He doesn’t have international experience, nothing. So, what I said about Mailula I repeat now for Mofokeng.”

“You’ve seen what happened with Mailula? He came to Toronto and there were two former Italian internationals [he had to compete with]. What were you going to do with a little guy from South Africa there? He didn’t play one game, yes, he played one game, I think, two months ago. For the rest of the season, he was on the bench. What is he learning there?

“Those players [Mailula and Mofokeng] have to play and I hope Mofokeng’s agent is cleverer, cleverer than the one of Mailula. He only needs to decide what’s important for the player and not what’s important for him [agent]. Let’s see what happens, but I hope he stays at Pirates and plays another season.”

Speaking at his squad announcement at the SABC in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, Broos also spoke glowingly about the Pirates attacker.

“The guy is good on the ball, he’s got a good technique, he can score, and he has quite a good shot also. The only thing he misses now is [international] experience and you can’t have that experience by playing half of the season in the PSL. You need more games and therefore, again, let’s hope he will do it and he will stay with us.”

Full Bafana squad

Goalkeepers

  • Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)
  • Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu)

Defenders

  • Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United)
  • Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
  • Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania)
  • Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Midfielders

  • Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC)
  • Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards

  • Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)
  • Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
  • Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC)
  • Elias Mokwana (Sekhukhune United)
  • Lyle Foster (Burnley, England)
  • Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt)
  • Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari

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