Orlando Pirates will have a big decision to make in the off-season, which could take them back to square one, especially after the departure of former head coach Jose Riveiro.
For Riveiro to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership in his third season at Pirates, up to the closing stages, was nothing short of a miracle, considering that the Buccaneers did not make any major signings in the previous off-season and did not bring any new player in January.
Only Deano Van Rooyen and Gilberto were notable signings but they did not improve the squad, compared to Sundowns who reinforced heavily, with players such as Iqraam Rayners, Jayden Adams, Arthur Sales to mention a few.
READ: New Pirates Coach To Uphold Mandate Set By Riveiro
It should be a worrying concern for the Ghosts that the team, apart from Riveiro, has been held up together by the rise of Relebohile Mofokeng, who has scored 12 goals and an incredible 14 assists in all competitions.
After a stellar CAF Champions League campaign, where the 20-year-old scored five goals, bids for his services will continue to pour-in during the off-season, as former Pirates coach Fadlu Davids, whose lens has spread across Africa as Simba head coach, admitted that he has been impressed by the Sharpeville native forward.
"The youngster Rele Mofokeng of Pirates is something definitely special, he's the one player who has a huge future ahead of him if he is guided correctly," Davids said on Mike Morton Talks Football YouTube Channel.
READ: Transfer Coup: Inside Pirates' Expected Deal For Midfield Sensation
"Physically, he still has to develop, get himself ready for European leagues. You saw in the Kaizer Chiefs game he was calling for a penalty, they just pushed him off the ball.
"These are small things but with his technical skills and football brain he has all the attributes to make it and be the next big thing to lead Bafana and give us the hope for our goal-scoring exploits. He's definitely one player that stands out," Davids enthused.
The Buccaneers will have to decide whether to keep Mofokeng for another season or let him go for greener pastures, something which could leave the Soweto giants vulnerable.
Mofokeng scored in most of the big games for Pirates this season, as he netted a brace in a 2-1 reverse win over Sundowns, scored once in a win over Kaizer Chiefs by the same scoreline in the league and was on target in the MTN8 final win over Stellenbosch.
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