Pirates legend identifies what is affecting Mofokeng as he backs him to bounce back

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Pirates legend identifies what is affecting Mofokeng as he backs him to bounce back
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Orlando Pirates legend Moeneeb Josephs has weighed in on the form of young forward Relebohile Mofokeng whose start to the season has been lukewarm.

Mofokeng, Pirates’ best player and top scorer last season, is yet to score or assist in seven matches this term, which is unlike him, and he was not used by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos during the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in the just-concluded international break.

That has raised questions over whether the player is committed to Pirates or if transfer speculation linking him away from the Soweto giants has affected the 20-year-old.

Josephs admits Mofokeng might be dealing with the disappointment of a missed opportunity abroad but is backing the young forward to bounce back and drive his team to glory like he did last season.

Why has Mofokeng dipped in form?

“Rele is our superstar and a lot has been happening in the off-season where we have been speaking about him going here and there,” Josephs said on Soccer Beat.

“A lot of talk and that affects a player as well. With it not happening, he has committed himself to Orlando Pirates but knowing how ambitious he is and he wants to take his game to the next level and it is not happening for him.

“So that frustration has affected his game a little bit but for him as a player now it is to deal with these situations. It builds your character as well because as much as you are a good footballer, this is going to stand you well in the future when your character is built,” he added, identifying what could be affecting Mofokeng.

The former Pirates goalkeeper, however, wants critics off Rele’s case as he thinks a dip in form is normal for any player and believes the School of Excellence graduate will shake it off and come good.

Josephs backs Rele to bounce back

Relebohile Mofokeng celebrates his goal against Magesi FC. Photo Orlando Pirates

“People are saying this and that about his form but the player is human as well as much as he does super human things, he is a human being as well,” he added.

“We must understand, we have those dips in form but when we are going to need Rele, then you will see Rele for us.”

Mofokeng’s lack of minutes for Bafana Bafana was a surprise despite making the final squad but coach Broos pointed to his club situation as the reason why he needed to be cautious with the player.

The two-time MTN8 trophy winner has a chance to silence his doubters when Pirates face Stellenbosch in this year’s final at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday as he is fresh unlike his other team-mates who were heavily involved with the national team. 

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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