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

Pitso Mosimane praised Relebohile Mofokeng as “God’s gift” after the 21-year-old scored twice in South Africa’s 5-0 win over Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday.

The goals were Mofokeng’s first official strikes for Bafana Bafana, ending a run of 16 appearances without finding the net for the national team.

His previous goal came in South Africa’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory against Lesotho in March last year. However, Fifa later annulled that result after South Africa fielded suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

Mofokeng has also been in impressive form for Belgian top-flight club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, having joined them from Orlando Pirates in July.

“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 attacking midfielder has contributed six goals and two assists in his past six matches for club and country.

Mosimane believes Mofokeng must continue to add goals to his game, particularly given his role as a playmaker.

“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,” he 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 prominently again when Bafana Bafana meet Egypt in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 8pm SA time.

The forward has become a regular starter under Mosimane after struggling to establish himself in the starting line-up under the previous coach, Hugo Broos.

Mofokeng made six starts in the 15 matches he played under the Belgian, appearing as a substitute in the other nine.