Pirates record scorer identifies Mofokeng’s best position – ‘He’s more comfortable in this area’

Orlando Pirates record scorer Benedict Vilakazi has weighed in on the debate surrounding the best position for Relebohile Mofokeng.

Mofokeng has become one of Pirates’ most important players since being promoted to the senior team by ex-coach Jose Riveiro in 2023 and was the club’s top scorer last season.

After a slow start this campaign, he has hit the ground running with three goals in his last four games and four assists in his last eight matches but he has been shuttling between the wings and the No.10 position.

Vilakazi delivers verdict on Rele’s best position

Opinion is divided among pundits, former players and fans over where Rele best thrives but for Vilakazi, the 21-year-old should be utilised behind the main striker.

“Play him as a number 10. He has grown to be better in the number 10 position than being a winger,” Vilakazi said as per Soccer Laduma.

“Yes, he started as a winger, but when you develop and grow, you understand the game and feel more comfortable in this area.”

Vilakazi, who scored 58 goals for Pirates during his stint at the club, says Mofokeng’s intelligence and movement in and around the box makes him a dangerous weapon when played in the No.10 role and has the quality to deliver league title success for the Buccaneers.

Why is Mofokeng best suited in the No.10 role?

“I like the way he plays in terms of finding spaces in between the defence,” Vilakazi, popularly known as Tso, added on Mofokeng’s qualities. “If he can play as a number 10, he will be a key player for us (Pirates) to win the league this season.”

Mofokeng was kept quiet by Mamelodi Sundowns last Wednesday before a minimal impact against Casric Stars at the weekend as Pirates exited the Nedbank Cup at the Round of 16 but he will be hoping to light up the FNB Stadium in the Soweto Derby on Saturday.

The Bafana Bafana forward is among key players that Pirates will be pinning their hopes on as they look to bounce back from back-to-back defeats in the derby and it remains to be seen where coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will deploy him.