Relebohile Mofokeng: Mosimane reveals how he plans to utilise ex-Pirates star

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has lauded Royale Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng, suggesting the young star is set for a more prominent role in the national team compared to his time under former coach Hugo Broos.

The 21-year-old has demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his career. At Orlando Pirates, under Jose Riveiro, he was primarily deployed as a left or right winger.

He continued in this position initially before coach Abdeslam Ouaddou also began using him in the number 10 role.

Relebohile Mofokeng, Bafana Bafana – Image: IMAGO

Bafana coach weighs in on Rele’s role

Interestingly, former Bafana coach Hugo Broos also utilised him as a number 10, insisting that the skillful player was not a natural winger.

Speaking on Thursday, Mosimane expressed his strong belief in Mofokeng’s abilities and outlined the value he brings to the squad.

“I don’t know if the previous coach did not believe in him. I have to go with what is right,” Mosimane stated as quoted by iDiski Times.

“I saw the boy playing very well in his last two World Cup qualifiers. He did well, he dribbled, and he played in a different role within a 3-4-3 formation. He was used as a number 10 on the right in that system, which he has never played in before, and he adjusted to it and scored goals.”

Mosimane on best way to use Mofokeng

Mosimane highlighted the player’s adaptability, adding: “Remember at Orlando, we used to see him playing as a winger, and suddenly he is a 10 in a 4-2-3-1. The boy shows us he can play in different formations, and wherever he has been playing, he’s been scoring or assisting.”

Relebohile Mofokeng celebrates his goal for Union Saint-Gilloise. Image: Union Saint-Gilloise

“It’s good, let’s keep going with him. He is young,” the coach continued. “For the 2030 World Cup, we need to build on that platform and give them a chance. He is scoring in Europe, in a top league.”

The former Pirates midfielder has been in impressive form for USG in Belgium, scoring three goals in five league appearances. He has also already secured silverware, helping his team win the Super Cup against Club Brugge by converting the decisive penalty in the shootout.