Baroka coach highlights Rele Mofokeng lessons for rising star Kgositsile

Baroka FC caretaker coach Foster Hlongwane has outlined the key lessons that rising star Kabelo Kgositsile can take from Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng as he develops his career.

Hlongwane believes his young charge, Kabelo Kgositsile, has the potential to reach great heights, and he’s pointed to Pirates’ midfield maestro,  Mofokeng, as a prime example for Kgositsile to emulate.

The Limpopo-based side faced Pirates in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon. Pirates claimed a 3-1 victory over Baroka to seal a spot in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals, where they will take on SuperSport United. They will be looking to win the trophy for the third time in a row.

The Buccaneers have won the Nedbank in the past two seasons after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final last season and Sekhukhune United in the 2022/23 campaign.

In an entertaining match against Bakgakga, Pirates found the back of the net courtesy of a hattrick from Tshegofatso Mabasa. On the other hand, Baroka pulled one back in the second half through Sydney Malivha.

Although Baroka lost against the Soweto giants, individual players such as Kabelo Kgositsile produced impressive performances. The exciting winger was a constant threat to the Pirates’ defence with his explosive pace and dribbling abilities.

WHAT FOSTER HLONGWANE SAID ABOUT KABELO KGOSITSILE

After tormenting Pirates defenders, Kgositsile’s coach, Hlongwane, advised the 20-year-old to model his game around Mofokeng because talent alone is not enough.

“I think he [Kgositsile] has to remain humble and be grounded you know. You look at Rele Mofokeng, I think he can learn a lot from him because talent alone cannot do anything hence I think he needs to be humble and grounded,” Hlongwane said.

“At some point, it’s our job as coaches to model ourselves in the right way, and that will rub off on players. If we model humbleness, excellence, and be good around him, I think he can grow. Not only him, we have another youngster we signed from [regional league] but he didn’t play [against Pirates].

“I just wish they can be humble and respect the game; if Kgositsile can do that, he can be something for the country.”

‘Golf 7’ as he’s affectionately known will be looking to help Baroka gain promotion to the Betway Premiership next season.

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