Relebohile Mofokeng has proved Hugo Broos wrong, says Benni McCarthy

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy says he is proud of Relebohile Mofokeng for overcoming criticism from former Bafana Bafana manager Hugo Broos and making an impressive start to his career in Europe.

The 22-year-old joined Belgian Pro League side Royale Union SG at the start of the current campaign after helping Orlando Pirates win a treble last season.

That success included the Betway Premiership title, Orlando Pirates’ first in 14 years, while Mofokeng was voted PSL Player of the Season.

The South African international has quickly adapted to life in Belgium despite Broos questioning whether his physique would allow him to succeed in European football.

Mofokeng, who was recently named SAFJA Men’s Footballer of the Year, has scored five goals and provided four assists in 15 matches for Royale Union SG.

McCarthy, a former UEFA Champions League winner, praised the winger’s response to his doubters and said he could continue to develop.

“I think the biggest compliment I can give the boy is that he proved Hugo Broos wrong,” McCarthy said on SportyTV.

“Hugo Broos was highly critical about him, thinking that he was too small, he was too skinny, he was too petite, and he wasn’t up to European standards that he would not fit in. But he’s gone there, and he’s proven him wrong. He’s scored four goals and a couple assists already so early in the season.

“He’s proven his biggest critic wrong and that’s what I’m the most proud of the boy. And that shows that he’s South African blood he’s a survivor. He can survive anywhere. You put him in an uncomfortable situation, and he comes up top.”

McCarthy wants Mofokeng to build on strong start

McCarthy believes Mofokeng must maintain his form and make his first season in Europe a memorable one, with consistent performances potentially creating opportunities to move to bigger leagues.

“Now he just has to continue, keep believing in himself because that’s the biggest part of it all, believing in yourself. You’re the only one that can pull you out of any situation. And he’s done that, and he’s got to continue to pull himself out of every uncomfortable situation he finds himself in.

“And his football will flourish and hopefully he can establish himself well because it’s a great stepping stone. You know he’s playing for a team that’s in European football. Unfortunately, they didn’t make it to the Champions League, but they are in the Europa League.

“So, he plays for a team that plays European football, and they are always in the title hunt for the season in the Belgium Pro League.

“So, he’s just got to make this year a special year, and hopefully the next season he goes on. But yeah, I’m very happy that he’s proven his critics wrong, and he’s doing really well.”