Xoki sheds light on Relebohile Mofokeng’s mental state after missed penalty

As Orlando Pirates were buckling down in the searing heat at Rand Stadium in preparation for their MTN8 final encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns, Tapelo Xoki shed light on how teammate Relebohile Mofokeng is coping after missing a crucial penalty.

Mofokeng, the youngest at 18 years old, was the only player to miss a penalty last Friday as Pirates crashed out of the CAF Champions League.

The young man was understandably shattered and couldn’t hold back the tears as Pirates lost 5-4 on penalties to Botswana champions Jwaneng Galaxy in the second round of the group stage qualifiers, with the clash having ended 1-1 over two legs.

Xoki praised Mofokeng for his courage in stepping up to take the penalty and said the starlet was coping well with the miss. The Pirates defender also revealed that Mofokeng had received support from his teammates and coaches.

XOKI SAYS MOFOKENG IS COPING WELL AFTER PENALTY MISS

“Penalties are a lottery. It could have happened to anyone, and unfortunately, it happened to him,” said Xoi.

“Lucky for us, straight after the game, yes, the guy was distraught and feeling emotional, but the following day, we could see the positives, the positive attitude, mindset.

“And in the [training] sessions, he was also positive, so already that’s a plus for us. We don’t have to do much to lift him up because he has already lifted himself up. We just now have to encourage him more. There will be plenty more opportunities for him to take penalties again, and when the chance comes, he will take them because he is prepared for them,” added Xoki.

The DStv Premiership giants, who are the defending champions, are gearing up for an intense battle with Sundowns in the MTN8 final on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Xoki, who’s expected to play a key role in defence in the final in Durban, went on to say that Pirates have a gem in Mofokeng as the teenage sensation is talented and has nerves of steel to handle the pressure that comes with playing at the highest level.

“I have missed penalties myself, and I don’t shy away from taking them,” declared Xoki. “We have to ensure that he understands that so that next time he doesn’t shy away from responsibility as he did not on Friday.

“So, we are happy to have a young mindset like that, it is going to be great for the team going forward.”

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