Hugo Broos identifies perfect European leagues for Rele Mofokeng’s growth
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has offered his opinion on which European leagues would be the perfect fit for Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng’s development and growth.
Mofokeng has captured the attention of scouts across the globe. His dazzling displays of skill and potential at Pirates and Bafana have sparked speculation about his next career move.
Just a couple of months ago, the 20-year-old was linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona and Rangers FC in the Scottish Premiership. He is also reportedly on the radar of another La Liga side, Levante FC.
Towards the end of 2023, Mofokeng had a trial with English Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers. This opportunity came after his rise to prominence with the Pirates’ first team, where he has been delivering exceptional performances.
In his most recent outing, Mofokeng demonstrated why he is one of the best players in the PSL by providing two assists as Pirates defeated Richards Bay FC 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Sunday.
This season, the reigning PSL Young Player of the Year has amassed an impressive eight goals and 11 assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
HUGO BROOS OPENS UP ON RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG CHAT
While highlighting various leagues, such as the Belgian top flight as the best choice for Mofokeng’s development, Broos also shared details about the conversation he had with the Sebokeng-born star.
“Rele can play in Europe, and I said it in the first year when he came into the Bafana team because immediately there was a lot of interest in him,” said Hugo Broos.
“I said to him: ‘Look, just stay one year more [at Pirates]. You play [CAF] Champions League with Pirates, and you will have experience of the PSL as well. It is too soon to go now’ [Europe]. So he made a good decision to stay at Pirates.
“He can go to Barcelona in two to three years, and he will be stronger than now. Everybody likes Mofokeng and he is a nice guy and has a lot of talent but he joins Barcelona now, he is just Mofokeng and will play for the second team. But when you talk about Rangers, what is Rele going to do in the Scottish league? He will not play there even with the talent he has. The football in that league is not ideal for Rele.
“He can go to Belgium, Holland, he can go to France, he can go to Portugal, not immediately in the Premier Division, but he doesn’t have to go to Italy and Germany, for example. He will be ready in two to three years, but now I think he is not ready to play in such leagues even though he has the talent…”
Broos used Cassius Mailula’s experience as a cautionary tale. The former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker’s move to Toronto FC in the MSL resulted in little playing time and a minimal impact, validating Broos’s earlier concerns about the transfer.
“You saw with Mailula? I think I said from the first minute what was he going to do in Toronto because I saw immediately that there were two ex-international Italian strikers and a striker from the National Team of America; what was Mailula going to do there?” asked Broos.
“Now he is at Wydad [Athletic Club] and plays because Rulani [Mokwena] is there. Maybe he can do the step later again to Europe.”
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