Touted for greatness, Orlando Pirates young gun Relebohile Mofokeng has missed out on a trip to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals, but he has expressed his passion to reach those heights soon.
During a breakthrough campaign with the Buccaneers so far this season, the DStv Diski Challenge graduate has featured impressively in the matchday squads of Jose Riveiro.
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Before the recess for the Afcon finals, the 19-year-old had already accumulated 20 appearances in all competitions in the colours of the Buccaneers. That is quite rare for a player of his age in the PSL.
Though the Afcon might have come too soon during the development of his game.
“I wanted to go to the Afcon but things don’t always go the way you want them to go. I wish them good luck and for now I go on with my life. Hopefully, they will call me next time,” Mofokeng answered the Siya crew during a press conference on Monday.
South Africa are in action on Tuesday in what will be their tournament opener, facing Mali in a Group E encounter.
After going out on trial at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League a few months ago, Mofokeng is now focusing on his progress in the domestic league. Soccer Laduma did speak exclusively to the starlet about his experience in England.
Back in South Africa, his stand-out display to date was probably in the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs in November last year when he affected the contest after coming on as a first half substitute for Kermit Erasmus.
Mofokeng hasn’t found the back of the net so far, but he has been outstanding in the build-up of goals and the overall set-up of the Sea Robbers’ team. Based on his favourite players, he would want to get more involved with assists and goals. During the interview, the youngster discussed the players he looks to for inspiration both locally and abroad.
“In South Africa, the player I looked up to is Thembinkosi Lorch because I play in his position and he is the best in that position and overseas I look up to Kevin De Bruyne,” Mofokeng added regarding the Pirates and Manchester City stars respectively.
Pirates will resume duties in the Premiership in the middle of next month against a tricky Chippa United outfit. Bucs face Indian side Mohammedan SC in a friendly next Saturday.
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