Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has advised Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng to take a giant step in his career by moving to Europe now.
McCarthy is the latest South African legend to advise Rele to move following sentiments by ex-Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe last week as the young forward continues to receive interest from abroad.
The 20-year-old has attracted interest from clubs in the United States, Israel among others and as he weighs his options, McCarthy feels now is the right time just like he did back then, when he joined Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam as 20-year-old in 1997.
Benni tells Rele to realise his full potential
“I’ve watched him several times, and I think he’s got huge potential. He’s got the mentality, the football brains, and mentality of players from my generation,” McCarthy told IOL.
“He’s generations ahead of the current crop of players. I think he’s got what it takes to make it in Europe. I would encourage him to find a way to play in Europe. South Africa, yes, it has some of the best players in Africa, but Africa is a small continent in football terms.
“When you play in Europe, you get the chance to play against the biggest and the best. It’s you against the world.”
The former Celta Vigo, FC Porto and West Ham striker then named the best countries for Mofokeng to move to if he dumps Pirates for Europe, saying they provide the best platform for young players like him, before the big leap into the world’s major leagues.
Which European league’s suit Mofokeng?
“I think he should consider going to the Scottish league, somewhere like that, so he can work his way up from there. Rangers and Celtic always need strikers they can bring on and develop before selling on to bigger clubs,” added the former Cape Town City and AmaZulu coach.
“Some players are happy to stay in Africa, and they can make a decent living, but they become irrelevant if they don’t test themselves as hard as they can. If you play in Europe, you can excel, and he could also move to the Dutch or the Portuguese league.
“If you succeed there, it’s only a matter of time before the Premier League sides come calling. I think he’s got the ability, and he needs to give himself the opportunity.”
Mofokeng’s future will be a subject of speculation during the transfer window and Pirates look to be preparing for life without him following the signing of winger Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City.
