Mofokeng has answered Broos’ doubts with fast start in Belgium, says McCarthy

Relebohile Mofokeng has provided the ideal response to questions over whether he could cope with European football, according to former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy, who is particularly pleased the young South African has already proved Hugo Broos wrong.

The 22-year-old has made an encouraging start to his career in Belgium, scoring four goals and providing several assists during the early part of the season.

Mofokeng’s performances have been especially notable because of doubts raised before his move from Orlando Pirates. Broos was among those who believed the winger would require time to adapt to the physical demands and intensity of football in Europe.

Broos had questioned whether Mofokeng’s slight build would enable him to compete effectively, suggesting he might need at least six months to settle into his new surroundings.

McCarthy, who made his comments to SportyTV, said Mofokeng’s ability to overcome those concerns had been one of the most pleasing aspects of his progress.

“I think the biggest compliment I can give the boy is that he proved Hugo Broos wrong. Hugo Broos was highly critical about him, thinking that he was too small, he was too skinny and petite and not up to European standards or would fit in. But he’s gone there and he’s proven him wrong.

“He’s got four goals and a couple of assists so early in the season so he’s proven his biggest critic wrong and that is what I am proud of for the boy and it shows that he’s got South African blood, he’s a survivor. He can survive anywhere. You put him in an uncomfortable situation and he comes up top.”

Quality and adaptability

Mofokeng’s challenge was to transfer the talent he had shown in the Betway Premiership into a different footballing environment.

While his technical ability was widely recognised, questions remained about how quickly he would adjust to the physical demands of European football and the intensity of the game.

Broos’ comments were not necessarily a dismissal of Mofokeng’s ability. However, the expectation that the player would need a significant period to find his feet has not been reflected in his early performances.

Mofokeng is already demonstrating that physical stature does not have to define a player’s prospects when technical quality, confidence and adaptability are also present.

McCarthy, who enjoyed a successful career in European football with FC Porto among other clubs, believes Mofokeng’s mentality has been central to his progress.

The former striker said the youngster had displayed the resilience associated with the South African spirit, particularly when faced with an unfamiliar and demanding environment.

There remains a long way to go in Mofokeng’s European career, but his early form has given him a solid foundation. It has also offered a strong answer to those who believed he might struggle to make an immediate impact outside South Africa.