‘We want to see Mokokeng succeed’
Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates during the Orlando Pirates media day at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg on 29 November 2024 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
by Staff Reporter
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024. 11:00
With Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng linked with a sensational move to Barcelona, ex-Bucs winger Joseph Makhanya believes that the 20-year-old should be looking to ply his trade abroad.
In what was news that made headlines in South African football media in the last 24 hours, it’s been reported that Barcelona are keeping tabs on Mofokeng, as per Mundo Deportivo.
The reigning PSL Young Player of the Year currently has four goals and seven assists to his name in 17 matches played this season, along with a number of glittering performances along the way.
According to Makhanya, Mofokeng has to throw himself in the deep end and test himself against some of the best players in Europe.
“What I can say is that there has never been a time to say someone is ready or not for a big move to Europe,” Makhanya said, as per FARPost.
“It has to happen so that we can see if they are ready,” said Makhanya. “But I think the team will make the right call for them because that’s what we wish to see for them as coaches from the development side.
“We want to see him [Mofokeng] succeed and fulfil his dreams of playing abroad, which is something we didn’t do while playing, to play in Europe. Now I would want a player I have coached to play for a big team like Barcelona, maybe Rangers in Scotland as the rumours say.
“But also for the team [Pirates], it has to make business sense. The move must ensure the player makes progress, and once the player progresses, it means the nation also gets to benefit.”