Jabu Mokone ready for Pirates first team? Truter weighs in
Upington City FC head coach Brandon Truter has given an assessment on Orlando Pirates loanee Jabulani Mokone, who joined the Northern Cape side in January.
The 21-year-old signed for Bafana Ba Gucci on loan alongside his Pirates DDC teammate Seth Green, while his captain Kgwadi Molepo moved to Mpumalanga-based Kruger United.
The trio was sent out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience after showing promise in the Buccaneers reserve team.
Notably, Mokone has also been selected by fans for the previous two Carling All-Star teams, which defeated Stellenbosch in 2023 and Magesi in 2024.
Truter has spoken highly of Mokone’s talent and progress in the second division. However, he acknowledged that the Betway Premiership and Motsepe Foundation Championship are different.
While emphasising the player’s potential, Truter also stated that the youngster still has “some things to learn” to reach his full potential.
TRUTER GIVES ASSESSMENT ON PIRATES LOANEE MOKONE
“Look, the potential and the talent is there, and I think that’s what Pirates saw. And with the DDC on television and being broadcast live, I think the South African football fans know him already,” said Truter during the interview with FARPost.
“And especially with his performances in the Carling Black Label Cup final…
“But I think being with Pirates who are challenging in the CAF [Champions League] and domestically in the league and also with them being cup specialist, I think the focus is on the first team players and an already successful squad in cup competitions.
“Giving [all] the youngsters a chance is always a challenge. And we had a discussion and of course, with me having PSL experience and being at a club that wants one thing [promotion], I think it was a perfect fit for Mokone to come to us to get [first team experience].
“But at this moment he is doing extremely well, he’s growing. But there are still some things that he needs to learn to become that complete player.
“Like I said also the levels [top-flight and second-tier] are different in terms of quality and in terms of tactics. But for him to compete with the bigger boys and [in a league where there’s] a bit more of quality, he will mature very well and grow very well.”
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