KV Kortrijk winger Shandre Campbell has tipped Bafana Bafana star Relebohile Mofokeng for huge success in Europe, while insisting the midfielder inspires the next generation of local footballers in South Africa.
Mofokeng is in his first season at Belgian Jupiler Pro League leaders Royale Union Saint-Gilloise after joining them from Orlando Pirates in July. Having settled quickly to football in Europe, the 22-year-old has managed five goals and four assists in 17 games across all competitions for Royale Union.
His exploits have not gone unnoticed as he is in the running for the Jupiler League October Player of the Month. He was nominated alongside the Club Brugge duo of Nicolo Tresoldi and Carlos Forbs.
Mofokeng has also turned himself into a key Bafana player since Hugo Broos’ tenure and now with Pitso Mosimane in charge of the national side.
WHY CAMPBELL IS CONVINCED MOFOKENG IS DESTINED TO BECOME ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S GREATEST EXPORTS
Campbell plays in the same league as Mofokeng, although the former SuperSport United star arrived in Belgium earlier. The Kortrijk wideman views Mofokeng as an inspiration, not only for him but for a generation positioning itself for Bafana recognition.
“Rele is a very talented player; he is that one in the crop that you know is going to be special. He adapted quickly to Europe and is doing wonderfully,” said Campbell.
Campbell was speaking to the media in Pretoria on Wednesday while in camp with the South Africa national Under-23 side as they prepare to face Madagascar in a two-legged Olympic Games qualifier at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday [14 November] and Tuesday [17 November].
“He [Mofokeng] is going to win Player of the Month. I hope he does. He is a talented player. He’s scoring and assisting, but most importantly, he is staying humble, which is leading to his success.
“I feel like he’s just going to grow bigger and bigger and become a big South African player. A lot of people, even I, look up to him.
“A lot of us here in the Under-23 look up to him because they see where he is and how he got there. I think he is doing wonderfully, and he is going to keep prospering in Europe.”
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