Mosimane hails ‘God’s gift’ Mofokeng after Bafana double

Pitso Mosimane has praised Relebohile Mofokeng as a “brilliant player” and “God’s gift” after the 21-year-old scored twice in Bafana Bafana’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea in Cairo.

The goals on Wednesday were Mofokeng’s first officially recognised strikes for South Africa, ending a run of 16 appearances without a goal for the national team.

He had previously scored in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Lesotho in March last year. However, Fifa later annulled that result after South Africa fielded the suspended Teboho Mokoena.

Mofokeng has also been in outstanding form for Belgian top-flight club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, whom he joined from Orlando Pirates in July.

Across his past six matches for club and country, he has scored six goals and provided two assists.

“Rele is a top player, and he’s showing why he’s gone to Europe. And he’s scoring, by the way, in Europe… He’s not only scoring for us, he’s also been doing it at his club,” Mosimane said.

The Bafana Bafana coach has repeatedly challenged Mofokeng to become a more prolific goalscorer from the playmaker position. He believes the youngster’s recent performances show the quality he can offer in the final third.

“It’s good that we have Rele back, and that’s the most important thing. Rele must score goals and he’s scoring goals, so we know what he can do with the ball. He’s a magician on the ball, a clever and intelligent player,” Mosimane said.

“I’ve told him that he needs to score goals; No 10s score goals. [The] No 10 isn’t just there to give assists and play between the lines… you have to score goals because of that opportunity. He’s intelligent, and you don’t teach him anything… he’s just God’s gift. What a brilliant player! I am happy for Rele.”

Mofokeng is expected to feature again when Bafana Bafana play Egypt in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm SA time.

The winger has become a regular starter under Mosimane after previously finding it difficult to persuade former coach Hugo Broos that he was ready to begin matches.

Mofokeng’s record under Broos

Mofokeng started six of the 15 matches he played under the Belgian coach and came on as a substitute in the other nine.