Relebohile Mofokeng’s growth in leaps and bounds saw him break into the Bafana team last year. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has urged Relebohile Mofokeng to make the “right decisions” amid the rumoured interest for his services from European clubs.
Mofokeng has been on an upward trajectory since making his senior debut for Pirates two-and-a-half seasons ago under coach Jose Riveiro.
His growth in leaps and bounds saw him break into the national team last year as he made his debut in the World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe on home soil.
Since that clash – in which Bafana won 3-1 – Mofokeng has become a national treasure, cherished even by the supporters of Pirates’ arch-rivals.
Mofokeng hasn’t allowed the hype to get into his head, though. He has remained grounded, continuing to chip in with impressive performances for club and country.
And his exploits haven’t gone without notice, so much so that he was invited by English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers for trials in his first season in the top-flight.
He has taken things up a notch this season, with reports saying he has attracted interest from Spanish and Scottish giants Barcelona and Rangers.
Broos, though, has sent a stern message to the 20-year-old attacker should he decide to move away from the Sea Robbers’ camp.
“I just hope he makes the right decisions, and that he is not going to a team where he won’t play,” said Broos during a round-table chat with invited journalists at Safa House yesterday.
“I see all the things around him... I am just a little bit afraid (of the talks involving) Barcelona and Rangers.
“I hope the people around him make the best sporting solutions, and not a financial solution (that won’t help him).”
Mofokeng is sure to be part of the Bafana squad that will next be in action in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on the weekend of March 17, and will be one of the main protaganists for Pirates in tomorrow’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
Broos has already been a father figure to Mofokeng. But he said that while he can advise him on where and when to move, the buck stops with his immediate family and representatives.
“I can just tell him (my opinion), but I don’t think I have that influence on the people around him,” said Broos.
“Okay, I think his parents want the best for him, that’s for sure. But there is another guy who wants to win a lot of money also, but that’s the problem.
“But okay, let’s hope, maybe I talked too soon about that. We’ll see. I think in June, Rele will not be a player of Orlando Pirates anymore, but a good choice is very important.”
Broos has already done his bit to convince Mofokeng to stay put at Pirates and gain some experience. And he’s glad that he took his advice.
“I said to him ‘just stay one year more. You’ll play in the Champions League with Pirates, and you’ll get experience in the PSL. It’s too soon to go’,” Broos said.
“That was a good choice he made to stay at Orlando Pirates. He must make the choice (of going where he’ll) play.
“If you talk about Barcelona, he can go in two or three years, and he’ll be stronger than now. Mofokeng, everybody likes him, and he’s a nice guy. He has a lot of talent.”
Mofokeng should listen to Broos. The silver-haired Belgian was also against Cassius Mailula moving to MLS side Toronto FC as he believed he was not ready.
Mailula’s move indeed proved to be a disaster as he didn’t get much game-time, and he was demoted to the reserves before being loaned out to Wydad Casablanca at the start of the season.
Sure, Broos knows that Mofokeng might eventually move this season, but he’s pleaded that he at least goes to Belgium or Holland where he’ll grow, instead of Scotland.
“But if he goes to Barcelona today, he’ll just be Mofokeng!” said Broos before saying a move to the Spanish club’s reserves might help him.
“Sure, for Barcelona, it would be for the second team. They are playing in the second division in Spain, they are at a high level.
“So even though I am not happy with the decision, he should go. But Rangers? What is Rele going to do in the Scottish Premiership?
“When the ball is in the air … or when you have the ball, they kill you. He’ll not play there – even with the talent that he has. That’s not his style of play.”
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