Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng has opened up about his transition into a central playmaking role following his another Man of the Match performance against AmaZulu FC on Tuesday night.
The Bafana Bafana international was the star of the show as the Buccaneers secured a 2-0 victory over Usuthu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The win propelled Pirates to the summit of the Betway Premiership standings with 35 points after 15 matches. Fueled by an early opener from Mofokeng, the Buccaneers sealed the result in the dying seconds when a fierce strike from the youngster rattled the upright and ricocheted off Darren Johnson into the net.
His dominant display earned him his second consecutive Man of the Match accolade, following a similar standout performance against Magesi FC over the weekend at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
Traditionally deployed on the flanks, ‘Rele’, as he’s affectionately known, has flourished since being moved into the number 10 position.
‘THERE IS FREEDOM AS A PLAYMAKER’: RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG
Speaking after the Usuthu match, the 21-year-old explained why the central role suits his creative instincts.
The shift in positioning has transformed Pirates’ attacking fluidity. While Mofokeng’s pace makes him a threat out wide, his vision and close control have made him a nightmare for defenders to track in central areas.
“I think there, in position 10, there is freedom. On the wing, you are close to the lines, so it kind of limits your play,” said Mofokeng in a post-match interview with SuperSport TV.
“But in position 10, there is so much free space, and you are able to create a lot of chances. So, I think I’m free in position 10 because of the freedom that comes with it.”
PIRATES COACH REVEALS WHY POSITION 10 BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN MOFOKENG
Meanwhile, reflecting on the tactical shift, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou also highlighted that Mofokeng’s versatility is his greatest asset.
“Look, there are a lot of things that a coach needs to look into; he plays better on the sides. But you know, he has played in many positions because he is talented,” Ouaddou added.
“He can play on the sides, and he can play in the middle of the park. But for us, it is important to identify as a tactician or a coach where he is able to produce the best of his qualities.
“You know, since we made him play in the middle, he has been able to give assists and score goals. So, I think he is in a good position, and I think we have to keep him there.”
As the Buccaneers look to maintain their momentum at the top of the table, one thing is certain: as long as Mofokeng has the freedom to roam, opposition defenders will have a difficult time stopping ‘Captain yama2000’.
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