Orlando Pirates News: ‘He can be like Mbappe’

Orlando Pirates superstar Relebohile Mofokeng has been sent a big message from a big legend in South African football.

SIYABONGA NOMVETHE’S BELIEF IN RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG

Speaking to the media amid reports of the Orlando Pirates star heading to Europe next season, Nomvethe, who played in Italy and Denmark, among other nations, believes Mofokeng has all the ability he needs to make the move. “You don’t have to be 21 or 22 to go to Europe,” Nomvethe said iDiski Times. “You can even go when you are 15, if you are talented and gifted; you deserve to go. But because he is still contracted to his club, the people who want him in Europe have to approach the club, have discussions and then reach an agreement to release the boy.

The former Orlando Pirates forward added: “But for me, I see him ready to take that journey to Europe. The boy works hard, and he is performing better than most who are older than him. He has a bright future and deserves an opportunity to go to Europe, and for me, I wish that he could be free and leave so that he can learn more about football there.

“I believe that he can catch up with the likes of [Kylian] Mbappe, he can catch up with other youngsters and reach the same level,” Nomvethe concluded.

ORLANDO PIRATES CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS CONFIRMED

In the meantime, the Sea Robbers have confirmed they will face Algerian giants MC Alger.

Full Statement: “Orlando Pirates will resume their CAF Champions League campaign with a return to Algeria after they were pitted against 1976 champions MC Alger in the live quarter-final draw held on Thursday. The winner of the two-legged tie will contest the semifinals against the triumphant side in the clash between Egyptian outfit Pyramids and AS FAR of Morocco.

“The knockout phase of Africa’s flagship club competition is scheduled to kick off in early April, with the eight remaining teams vying for the four semifinal spots. All four match-ups in the last eight were determined in the live draw held in Doha on Thursday, with all teams present discovering their route to continental glory.

“First up for the Buccaneers in the next round is a return to the Land of the Martyrs, where they kicked off their group stage campaign with a win against their next opponents’ domestic rivals, CR Belouizdad. The first leg of the tie will be hosted in the North African nation a week before the deciding leg at Orlando Stadium. It will be a historic first meeting between the two sides, who both made history by becoming the first teams from their respective countries to claim the coveted piece of silverware.

“Affectionately known as “The Doyen”, the Algerians are making their third appearance in the quarter-finals while competing in the illustrious competition for the ninth time. They will be looking to reach the heights of their debut appearance, where they went all the way to be crowned champions.

“For the Buccaneers, this will be a return to the knockout stages having last featured in 2013 when they eventually fell on the final hurdle. Jose Riveiro’s troops will be looking to take another step towards clinching their second title, adding to their 1995 crown. To achieve that, they will have to tap into their pool stage form, following an impressive showing where they finished as one of two teams to navigate their entirety of the previous round still unbeaten. 

“It’s unlikely to be a cakewalk however, as they face off against a side that boasted the best defensive record across all four groups while also maintaining consistency in their domestic league, where they currently hold top spot.

“The highly-anticipated quarter-finals kick off on 1 April, with the decisive second-leg fixtures getting underway seven days later. CAF will announce the individual fixture dates and kick-off times in due course.”

CAN THE BUCCANEERS WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?

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