Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has shed light on the three key factors that have fueled Relebohile Mofokeng's impressive development.
Riveiro's comments came after the Nedbank Cup final where Mofokeng's late goal secured a 2-1 victory for the Pirates against Orlando Pirates. This win successfully defended their Nedbank Cup title from last year.
In what was his second campaign on a professional stage, Mofokeng has been a revelation for the Sea Robbers this season.
The 19-year-old featured in 38 matches across all competitions, scoring five goals and registering six assists.
Riveiro praised Mofokeng's continuous improvement, highlighting his transformation into a “complete player.”
He believes these qualities earned Mofokeng a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Riveiro attributes Mofokeng's growth to his humility, willingness to learn, and dedication to becoming a well-rounded player.
‘That’s why the national team coach is getting attracted’
“That’s why the national team coach [Hugo Broos] is getting attracted by his quality. There is going to be an improvement. Hopefully, everyone can enjoy him in the national team,” said Riveiro.
“Fantastic stats in his level, improving week after week. He’s getting really complete as a football player, and the future looks bright for him.
“Hope he can continue in the space that he is right now. How humble he is, how much he listens, how much he tries to get more complete, that’s why he’s where he is.”
Meanwhile, Mofokeng himself highlighted marking as the area where he's seen the most significant improvement this season. He believes this improvement has made him a much better player compared to his debut PSL season.
The element that Mofokeng believes has improved the most in his game
“My marking has improved because that was the only thing I lacked in my game,” said Mofokeng.
“Even the coach used to tell me that he was not playing me last season because I was not marking. I always wanted the ball on my feet.
“But now I can make runs and also go back and mark. So he talks to me and advises me on where to improve so that I can be a better player.”
Mofokeng, who hails from Vaal, had a trial with Wolverhampton Wanderers in England last year. He has also been linked with moves to Rangers in Scotland and Al Ahly in Egypt.
