‘Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng isn’t a special player’

Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has had a remarkable rise since gaining first team promotion. 

Mofokeng joined the Pirates DStv Diski Challenge structures in the 2022/23 season from the famous School of Excellence. 

That very same season, he’d make such a big impact with the reserves, that calls were made for his promotion. By the end of the season the call was headed, as he finished the season in the Pirates first team. Since then, he has not looked back and has become an indispensable player for the Buccaneers. He is now also a fully fledged member of the Bafana Bafana side under coach Hugo Broos, although yet to start. 

Mofokeng has had an incredible 18 months

Beyond the South African borders, Mofokeng has had a trial at English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. There have also been links to the likes of Spanish giants FC Barcelona, Red Bull Salzburg, Glasgow Rangers. Even on the African continent, Al Ahly have been reported to be interested. All of these factors make him even more valuable to Pirates. 

But according to Mamelodi Sundowns legend Joel ‘Fire’ Masilela, Mofokeng is not a special player. In fact, he believes it’s not just the Pirates star that doesn’t tick that box.

Pirates star not a special player according to Masilela

“This generation consists of about 30 players who all seem the same, there are no truly special players. Not even Mofokeng is a special player—he is still young, still needs to learn, and is still considered a ‘baby’ in football terms. While people have been impressed with Mofokeng previously, the question is: Are they still impressed with him today? He is no longer the same player. The problem is that these players often don’t learn from their experiences. Many of those who are overhyped as the ‘next big thing’ lack education about the sport.Football and education go hand in hand. Just look at Mofokeng now; where is Siyabonga Mabena? These players need to understand that in football, learning is a continuous process.” Said Masilela on the Pirates youngster. to KickOff.com.

Do you feel as if Masilela has a point on Pirates star Mofokeng and this generation? Or is it another legend refusing to acknowledge a generation either than his own? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.