The 19-year-old has been advised to make the jump after a stellar season with the Bucs
Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has been advised to make a move to Europe this summer amid speculation about his future.
The 19-year-old Pirates winger has seen his stock rise over the last few months and put suitors on alert with his well-taken goal in the Nedbank Cup final to win the game for the Sea Robbers against PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
His good performances earned him a maiden call to the Bafana Bafana squad and even though he did not play against Nigeria last week, there is a feeling that he may not be playing at Pirates or in the PSL next season, despite his inexperience.
European-based scout Jacek Kulig is one of those who feel the teen sensation should make the jump to Europe with Scottish giants Rangers among clubs rumoured to be interested in his services.
“In South Africa, they don’t really appreciate young players, so they will replace him with some 25-year-old guy,” Kulig, who feels Pirates are already planning for life without Mofokeng, told Rangers Review Podcast. as quoted by KickOff.
“He should move to Europe as soon as possible, let’s be honest. He needs to be in Europe this summer. As I said, he has some weaknesses and European culture will wear that out.”
‘The perfect direction for him would be Eredivisie or Belgium’
Kulig then elaborated where he feels Mofokeng would be best suited to move to were he to join a European side.
“Someone asked and said the perfect direction for him would be Eredivisie or Belgium but Rangers seems to me a really nice direction as well,” added the Brussels native.
“I don’t know him personally but some players have that mentality, some don’t [about adjusting to European football] it depends on him. I saw an interview, he seems like a joyful guy, a very spontaneous guy.
“Scotland is not really very famous for that but yeah, why not have a player like that in Scotland. We have these speedsters but creative guys are also needed. I am really looking forward to it, I won’t say 100 per cent he will succeed in Scotland but I really have high hopes.”
Mofokeng’s coach Jose Riveiro is among those who think the player is good enough to move to Europe if he finds the right club
Broos warned Mofokeng against jumping into a transfer abroad
“I don’t think the right opportunity or time is related to his age or experience. It’s just about finding the right place to go to or stay, who knows?” Riveiro said on Radio 2000’s Game On sports show.
However, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has warned Mofokeng against jumping into a transfer abroad.
“So, what I said about [Cassius] Mailula, I'm saying again now with Mofokeng, ‘Stay at Pirates and play another season in the Premier Soccer League here in South Africa,” Bruce told reporters last week.
The School of Excellence graduate has scored five goals and provided six assists in 38 games in all competitions in 2023-24, winning the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.
