Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has expressed his conviction about Relebohile Mofokeng amidst the talented attacker’s struggles this season following a failed move abroad.
The 21-year-old winger has struggled for form this season and is yet to score a goal after 14 outings in all competitions. He has, however, provided two assists.
The arrival of Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis has meant the Buccaneers are no longer overly reliant on him as they were under Riveiro. The Spaniard was the man who gave Mofokeng his debut, and the youngster never disappointed.
In fact, under the former Al Ahly coach, the Bafana Bafana star scored 18 goals in 85 games and contributed 21 assists.
His form reportedly drew interest from several overseas clubs, but none of the offers materialised. Meanwhile, his friend from the Pirates youth ranks, Mohau Nkota, successfully moved to the Saudi Arabian top division.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos previously expressed concerns that the young player might have been impacted by the club’s decision to retain him.
WHAT DID JOSE RIVEIRO SAY ABOUT MOFOKENG’S SITUATION?
“Rele is a very mature guy…I am sure he is going to find a way to get back on track and perform the same way he used to,” said Riveiro.
“Having ups and downs in a player’s career is normal because you cannot be at your peak constantly, and I think Rele makes it easy for everyone to perform the way he performs week in and week out.
“I am certain that he will continue enjoying playing football and playing good games, bringing goals, assists, and playing the way he used to for Pirates and Bafana Bafana.”
The Vaal-born star will be hoping to secure a spot in Broos’s final Bafana squad for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. He missed the last two camps, partly due to injury.
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