Lekoelea backs Mofokeng as Bafana Bafana’s standout player

Former South Africa international Steve Lekoelea says Relebohile Mofokeng is currently performing at a level above every other player in the Bafana Bafana squad.

Lekoelea believes Mofokeng’s displays for Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, together with his impact for South Africa, have established him as the national team’s leading performer.

The 21-year-old underlined his importance on Wednesday by scoring twice before half-time in South Africa’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Eritrea in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played in Egypt.

Lekoelea says Mofokeng’s progress has been particularly clear since he moved away from South Africa to continue his club career in Belgium.

“Mofokeng is showing he is playing at a higher level now; his level has improved. He walked all over the Eritrea players,” Lekoelea told KickOff.

The former international was impressed by the freedom with which Mofokeng played against Eritrea, saying the midfielder approached the match as though it were an ordinary game rather than being overawed by the occasion.

“He was playing freely like it was a normal game. A lot has changed in his game since he left South Africa; you can tell by the shooting,” Lekoelea said.

“He shoots left and right. You can tell they are not giving him time to relax where he is playing his club football right now. If you want to relax, you must go to the malls. There, he is always at training.”

Mofokeng’s development in Belgium has also led Lekoelea to believe the player could attract interest from some of Europe’s biggest leagues.

“His performances show he is pushing for a move to Spain, England and so on,” he said.

Lekoelea also believes Mofokeng’s slight build should not prevent him from succeeding at the highest level. Instead, he feels it could benefit the player as he develops physically without putting on weight too quickly.

The former South Africa player compared Mofokeng’s prospects with those of Lionel Messi, pointing to the Argentina international’s stature as evidence that height is not a barrier to success in European football.

“His skinny frame will work to his advantage since he won’t gain weight too quickly,” Lekoelea said.

“Messi has proved that being short doesn’t stop you from being successful in Europe. I believe Mofokeng will also do well.”