Orlando Pirates legend Joseph Makhanya has challenged Bafana Bafana sensation Relebohile Mofokeng not to hesitate to take a chance to join a European team if they come knocking.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Premier Soccer League owing to his impressive showings. The recent rumour has brought Spanish heavyweights Barcelona into the picture.
Makhanya argues there is no specific age for one to reach before moving overseas, taking the example of Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy who took his chance and made a name for himself abroad.
“What I can say is that there has never been a time to say if someone is ready or not for a big move to Europe. It has to happen so that we can see if they are ready. But I think the team will make the right call for them because that’s what we wish to see for them as coaches from the development side,” he told the media.
We want to see Mofokeng abroad
“We want to see him [Mofokeng] succeed and fulfill his dreams of playing abroad, which is something we didn’t do while playing, to play in Europe. Now I would want a player I have coached to play for a big team like Barcelona, maybe Rangers in Scotland as the rumours say.
“But also for the team [Pirates], it has to make business sense. The move must ensure the player makes progress, and once the player progresses, it means the nation also gets to benefit.
“If we are to have many players abroad, it will help the national team. We have seen the likes of Benni McCarthy, he has gone on to make it at the highest level, which is something we want for our players. I feel that if there’s an opportunity for a move to happen at an earlier stage, why not? We wish to see the boys play overseas so we can get to compete against the best in the world as well.”
This season, Mofokeng has four goals and seven assists in the 17 games he has played across all competitions.
