Tim Sukazi likens Rele Mofokeng to Spain and Barcelona starlet
Outspoken TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi has praised Orlando Pirates prodigy Relebohile Mofokeng, comparing his talent to a rising star at Barcelona and Spain.
Sukazi’s high praise comes after Mofokeng’s impressive performances in the 2023/24 season, during which he won both the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season and the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament awards in June.
The School of Excellence graduate made 40 appearances in all competitions for Pirates, found the back of the net six times, and grabbed seven assists last season.
For his stellar displays, the 19-year-old received his first Bafana Bafana call-up in March for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He made his debut against Zimbabwe, coming in as a substitute late in the game at a packed Free State Stadium.
Sukazi is convinced that Mofokeng is at the same level or above Lamine Yamal. He further stated that the talent of Mofokeng and Yamal needs to be protected and well-coached by qualified professionals.
TIM SUKAZI SAYS RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG IS ON PAR WITH LAMINE YAMAL
In the 2023/24 Spanish La Liga season, the 17-year-old Yamal played a massive 50 matches for Barcelona. He racked up seven goals and registered 10 assists.
Yamal was part of the Spain squad that won the 2024 Euros this month. The winger registered one goal and four assists in seven outings.
“In South Africa, we have the talent from birth. Our players are not trained to be talented,” said Sukazi.
“You can rave about Lamine Yamal, but Mofokeng at Pirates does the exact same thing, or even better. In my humble opinion, because our league is much faster than what you see in La Liga.
“They are slow, they have time on the ball, they are technical, and they are very much aware, but we’re very fast, and our game is high-paced.
“But to navigate at his age and decide matches the way he does, he is at the exact if not better, level than Yamal of Barcelona. If you don’t believe me, put them on the field together; you will see what I’m talking about. We have that kind of talent, but it must be trained by the qualified people.”
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