‘He can become better than McCarthy, Pienaar and Radebe’ – Shabba on Pirates teenager
‘He can become better than McCarthy, Pienaar and Radebe’ – Shabba on Pirates teenager
Kaizer Chiefs legend Siphiwe Tshabalala believes Orlando Pirates teenager Relebohile Mofokeng can become one of the greatest South African football players.
The 39-year-old former winger has tipped the youngster to eclipse the likes of Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar and Lucas Radebe. The three players are regarded as the best players the country has produced having played most of their football in Europe.
Shabba, who mostly played his football in South Africa, says the Pirates teenager has a lot of potential.
“Rele is one of them. He is young, very talented and I am glad that he is getting game-time in a big team and also he influences games,” he told KickOff.
“He has a great, great potential of being the best South African export and there is a future for him in the national team.
“I would advise players to go abroad. When the opportunity arises, I would advise that. We must also have higher aspirations, South Africa is not the roof,” Shabba added.
Pirates teenager Mofokeng has already trained in Europe
“There is life in Europe, now there’s also your Saudis, so it’s not only about the career, it should also benefit you financially.
“Playing football is not just for recreational purposes, it’s work and it’s business and therefore it has to reward you,” the Chiefs legend added.
Mofokeng is one of the few youngsters shining in the league alongside the likes of Mfundo Vilakazi and Shandre Campbell. The Pirates teenager is the favourite to win the DStv Young Player of the Season award. The 19-year-old has had a sensational season with the Buccaneers netting three league goals in 22 matches.
Mofokeng might move to Europe during the preseason
He is likely to play his football in Europe next campaign with Wolverhampton Wanderers having shown interest. The teenager spent weeks with the English side and is almost certain to leave Pirates at the end of the season.