Nomvethe convinced Mofokeng can emulate Mbappe – ‘He can reach the same level’

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Kaizer Chiefs legend Siyabonga Nomvethe is convinced Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng is talented enough to hit greater levels like Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappe.

Mofokeng, who is 20, has been doing well since making his competitive debut at the Buccaneers later in the 2021/22 season. He played just two games but still scored a goal and provided an assist. 

In 2024, he reached another milestone when he debuted for Bafana Bafana in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His talent has attracted some top teams in Africa and Europe. In 2024, he was invited for trials with the English Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nomvethe believes once Mofokeng leaves Bafana for a team in Europe, he will deliver as anticipated.

I see him ready to take that journey to Europe

Relebohile Mofokeng and Kabelo Dlamini Orlando Pirates

“You don’t have to be 21 or 22 to go to Europe; you can even go when you are 15, if you are talented and gifted; you deserve to go. But because he is still contracted to his club, the people who want him in Europe have to approach the club, have discussions, and then reach an agreement to release the boy,” the former forward told iDiski Times.

“But for me, I see him ready to take that journey to Europe. The boy works hard, and he is performing better than most who are older than him. He has a bright future and deserves an opportunity to go to Europe, and for me, I wish that he could be free and leave so that he can learn more about football there.

“I believe that he can catch up with the likes of [Kylian] Mbappe, he can catch up with other youngsters and reach the same level.”

Last season, Mofokeng was directly involved in Pirates' 11 goals across all competitions. In the ongoing campaign, he has been directly involved in the team's 19 goals with a large part of the season yet to be played.

Nomvethe convinced Mofokeng can emulate Mbappe – ‘He can reach the same level’

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.