Latest news with #Mofokeng
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bafana's Broos urges caution as youngsters attract European interest
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has warned of rushing Relebohile Mofokeng to find a club in Europe. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media As Bafana Bafana gear up for their upcoming international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique, national team coach Hugo Broos has voiced his support for three rising stars from Orlando Pirates looking to make their mark abroad. Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota (both 20), and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (19) have all impressed this season, earning spots in Broos' final 23-man squad. However, the seasoned Belgian tactician is urging caution when it comes to their potential moves to Europe. Mofokeng, a 20-year-old sensation, has become a pivotal player for Pirates, contributing significantly to the team's success across various competitions. Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly expressed interest in both Mofokeng and Nkota, while Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly are believed to be monitoring Mbokazi. Bafana Bafana squad for the International friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) May 29, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Underpinning his impact, Mofokeng has netted 18 goals and provided 22 assists in 89 appearances, also securing several domestic trophies since bursting onto the scene. Broos has emphasised the importance of choosing the right club – one that offers regular game time and space for development. 'The only advice I can give to Mofokeng is that he must make the right choice. That's the only advice,' said Broos. 'Going to Europe is good, but try to make the right choice because if you go to a club where you don't have a chance to play, I think it's better to stay for one more year with Pirates. So, that's up to the player, his family, and his agent. I hope that his agent is looking at the future of the player and not his wallet.' Broos highlighted the crucial role agents play in guiding young players through these pivotal career decisions – particularly amid heightened international interest and the sensitive transition to senior-level football abroad. Reflecting on the case of Shandre Campbell (formerly of SuperSport United), who recently moved to Club Brugge in Belgium, Broos pointed out the risks of relocating prematurely. Though Campbell is not in Brugge's first team, he is gaining valuable experience in the Belgian second division. 'I see what's happening with Shandre at Brugge. He is not playing with the first team, but he is playing in the second division in Belgium,' said Broos. 'Brugge's second team is playing in the second division. That's the toughest division, I can assure you, and I'm sure that he is making progress too. That is the most important thing. "So, when I say 'choose the good club', it doesn't mean he has to play directly in the first team, but he must play at a good level. I hope that if all those players go to Europe, they go to the right club.' Shandre Campbell. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
'You have to make the right choice': Bafana coach Broos on Mofokeng's European prospects
A year ago, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos warned of rushing Relebohile Mofokeng to find a club in Europe saying the Orlando Pirates attacker needed at least one more season in the PSL and also to gain experience playing in the Caf Champions League. After announcing his squad to face Tanzania and Mozambique in friendlies early next month the Bafana coach was asked how he now feels about the 20-year-old who had trials with Premier League club Wolves last year. Mofokeng is now a regular at Bafana and was included in the squad to play Tanzania and Mozambique where he will be accompanied by other promising young players from Pirates — Mbezekeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe and Mohau Nkota. In the season that has just finished, Mofokeng played a huge role in helping Pirates reach the semifinals of the Champions League where he contributed five goals and provided three assists in the 13 games he played. Mofokeng's contributions in the Betway Premiership to help Pirates finish second for a third time in a row were also not bad for someone who is not an out-and-out striker.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pirates star Mofokeng reveals biggest disadvantage
"I think I can improve with a lot of practice,' says Mofokeng. Orlando Pirates forward Relebohile Mofokeng has reflected on which areas of his game he needs to improve next season. The 20-year-old attacker had an amazing 2024 season and was a fan favourite of the Pirates fans because of his trickery and skill. ALSO READ: Ncikazi raises hand for Pirates job as Timm leaves Mofokeng was named Man of the Match in Pirates' final game of the season against Magesi FC at the Orlando Stadium. Speaking after the game, 'Coco melon' revealed the areas he need to improve in the coming season. 'I just need to continue to improve' 'I think I did well this season. So I just need to continue to improve and work hard. So I just need to continue,' said Mofokeng. 'I think a place where I can improve is to score because that's the only thing missing in my game. I can create and assist. But it's only my lack of scoring, but I think I can improve with a lot of practice.' Mofokeng also indicated that fatigue might have played a role in his dip in form towards the end of the season. 'It has been a long season because we have been involved in competitions like the CAF [Champions League] and the Nedbank Cup. We are not used to playing so many games. So I think we did well. We just need to make sure that next season we do better than this season,' commented Mofokeng. Mofokeng made 49 appearances in all competitions for the Buccaneers this past season, scoring 12 goals and making 15 assists. The 20-year-old is set to compete with Lucas Ribeiro of Mamelodi Sundowns for the PSL Footballer the Season and the Players' Player of the Season awards. ALSO READ: Sundowns boss targeting CAF title ahead of Club World Cup The Awards ceremony, which is usually held after the completion of the season, was postponed to allow Sundowns to prepare for next month's FIFA Club World.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Three European leagues suited for Relebohile Mofokeng
Orlando Pirates star player Relebohile Mofokeng has been linked with a move away from the club in the coming weeks. The 20-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists across all competitions this season for the Buccaneers. After two full seasons in the Betway Premiership, Mofokeng has established himself as one of the best players in the league. Many fans have urged Orlando Pirates to allow the youngster to pursue his dream and play in Europe. English Premiership is a league that most soccer players dream of playing in but for Releboheng Mofokeng, that dream could be a reality soon. The Bucs starlet underwent a trial period with the English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023. Although he was not successful, Mofokeng has since improved as a player and managed to earn a handful of caps for Bafana Bafana. Mofokeng will be more sorted in three big leagues: La Liga, Ligue 1 and the Belgian Pro League. The Pirates youngster might be tempted to move to England, but the league emphasises more on physicality and tactical aspects. Physical prowess is important in the EPL and Mofokeng lacks that. La Liga focuses more on football intelligence, precision, and creativity, which suits the Pirates star more. He will flourish at clubs like Villareal, Celta Vigo and Valencia. Another league which will bring the best out of Mofokeng is the French Ligue 1. It might not be as competitive as La Liga but it will no doubt improve his game. Relebohile Mofokeng should perhaps look at joining the Belgian Pro League as a stepping stone to the EPL. This is what worked for his Bafana teammate Percy Tau. The 'Lion of Judah' excelled in the league before Brighton and Hove Albion recalled him. Mofokeng can do well for either Club Brugge or Union Saint-Gilloise. At 20, he still has time to improve and move to bigger teams. He needs to start at a club that will allow him to play with freedom. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
AmaZulu clinch top-eight spot after thrilling PSL draw with Orlando Pirates
Tshepang Moremi Tshepang Moremi of AmaZulu, seen here taking on the Orlando Pirates defence, was involved in his team's goal. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix AmaZulu sealed their place in next season's MTN8 after holding Orlando Pirates to a 1-1 draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Usuthu confirmed their place amongst the best eight clubs in the country for the first time in three years, while the Buccaneers failed to win for the second time in three games. Just as the match seemed to be heading towards a goalless draw, the game came to life after 60 minutes, Usuthu's marksman Tshepang Moremi providing a moment of brilliance halfway through the second half to set up the goal for the hosts. The 24-year-old attacker dribbled his way past numerous Pirates defenders before firing a shot towards Sipho Chaine's goal, one that was in turn guided towards his own goal, much to the shock of the majority of the supporters. That seemed to bring out a fight in Pirates, who then went on to equalise through up-and-coming midfielder Simphiwe Selepe, the man with the magic touch. The 20-year-old midfielder arrived late on the edge of the box to pounce on a bouncing ball in the Usuthu danger area, and his shot proved too much for the keeper. The atmosphere in Durban built up nicely for an afternoon of swashbuckling action, with very little on the line and both teams expected to play with relative freedom. Having had a full week to rest and recover whilst serving a suspension in midweek, Relebohile Mofokeng unsurprisingly grabbed most of the AmaZulu players' attention physically, but still looked menacing. After 20 minutes of feeling each other out, Pirates upped the level, combining on the edge of the box to carve Usuthu open, with Patrick Maswanganyi at the heart of it. The Bafana international bounced a ball off Tshegofatso Mabasa before running on to receive it behind the defence, but his attempted right-footed shot narrowly missed the bottom corner and went wide in the 23rd minute. Three minutes later and Pirates were at it, this time Mofokeng playing Deon Hotto through on the left-hand side, but the fullback's low shot was saved by Usuthu goalkeeper Richard Ofori. The more the half wore on, the hosts resorted to a more defensive approach, and it was no surprise because they only required a point from the game to seal a top-eight spot. Despite this, Pirates kept pushing the needle and almost found the breakthrough on the stroke of halftime, with Mohau Nkota this time missing the target. The 20-year-old winger combined with Mofokeng off a corner kick from the training ground, but his shot was dragged past the upright. Both teams would've been frustrated for various reasons going into the halftime break goalless. The second half began in unfashionable style as they lost Ofori to an injury after just five minutes, with Andile Mbanjwa making his top-flight debut in the process. The game would have near misses and gut-wrenching moments in the end, but the teams could not be separated.
