Former Kaizer Chiefs star Jabu Mahlangu has defended the showboating skills of Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng.
Showboating has been a topic of much debate in South African football, with coaches like Manqoba Mngqithi, Hugo Broos, and Nasreddine Nabi expressing their disapproval of the practice.
However, Mahlangu believes that South Africa has a unique style of football, characterized by flair and creativity.
He argues that Mofokeng, in particular, demonstrates showboating in the right way, using it effectively and at appropriate moments, rather than engaging in unnecessary displays of skill.
‘HE DOES IT AT THE RIGHT TIME’
“He is still young, he's growing, he's learning. I'm happy the way Hugo Broos introduces him, he introduces him gradually. He does not throw him at the deep end,” Mahlangu said on SABC's Soccer Zone.
“And whenever he's been given an opportunity, he rises to the occasion. He is bringing back the type of football we love in South Africa, from ekasi.
“The fans need to see the likes of Rele doing that, ayibambe, ayipolishe [showcasing skill] and stop to always playing directly as if we don't have a skill.
“As South Africans, we're gifted! It is how we express ourselves. And what I like about him, everything he does, he does it at the right time, he doesn't abuse [showboating],” he added.
