Makudubela: ‘Special players like Mofokeng need special coaches’

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns forward Mahlatse Makudubela says Relebohile Mofokeng’s explosive rise proves that world‐class talent is wasted without a coach brave enough to unleash it.

The 37-year-old, who hung up his boots recently before moving into a coaching role at Tunisian club US Monastir, believes the Orlando Pirates teenager is a prime example of how the right manager can accelerate a young player’s development.

Makudubela has singled out former Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro for particular praise, insisting the Spaniard’s decision to trust Mofokeng early has already changed the trajectory of the player’s career – and potentially that of South African football.

‘Without Riveiro, South Africa might only see potential’

Reflecting on Mofokeng’s emergence, Makudubela argued that many gifted youngsters fail to progress because managers are reluctant to take risks on them in big matches.

“I’ll make an example. Had coach Jose Riveiro not given Relebohile Mofokeng a chance, South Africa could have just said, ‘Hey, this boy’s got potential. Until when?'” Makudubela said.

He believes Mofokeng’s game – built on creativity, improvisation and flair – required a coach willing to tolerate mistakes in order to harness his match‐winning qualities.

“You look at Rele again, the type of player he is. He needs a special coach. I always say special players deserve special coaches, my friend.”

Compared to Vinicius Junior and Neymar

Makudubela placed the young Pirates attacker in the same stylistic bracket as some of the global game’s most dangerous forwards, arguing that such players cannot be forced into rigid systems.

“I feel like I worked with coaches, but only special coaches could understand the type of player I am. There are many others I can mention in the PSL and around the world – Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Mpho Padime who is a young boy that is coming through at Pirates right now.”

“I think coach Riveiro is a special coach. Other coaches would like a player, but you don’t want to use him much.”

By drawing those comparisons, Makudubela suggested that Mofokeng’s profile – a bold, attacking wide player comfortable expressing himself in the final third – demands a manager who is prepared to build around his strengths rather than rein them in.

A career shaped by the search for the right coach

Makudubela said his own journey across 17 clubs in 17 years, spanning several countries, was driven by the same belief that a player’s environment and coach must complement his natural style.

“I saw that, you know what? Yes, coach, you like me. I like being here. But if I’m not the type of player that fits in your system, let me go look for a coach that likes the type of play that I portray.”

“To save your time, because our career is very short, my brother. Had I not moved to Yanga, maybe I wasn’t going to get my silverware. Had I not moved from this team to that team, maybe I wouldn’t have been where I am today.”

His comments underline a wider debate within South African football about how clubs develop and use attacking talent, and whether coaches at the top level are sufficiently prepared to nurture players with unconventional skill sets.

Wider implications for South African football

Mofokeng’s progress at Pirates, and the faith shown in him by Riveiro, has been widely welcomed by supporters who have long called for greater trust in young local players.

For Makudubela, the lesson is clear: the country’s most gifted prospects will only fulfil their promise if they are placed under managers willing to adapt their tactics and provide regular game time.

His remarks amount to a challenge to coaches within the Premier Soccer League and beyond – to identify, back and build around their most creative players, rather than leaving them labelled as “potential” for years without a real platform to shine.