Former South African youth international Japie Motale has called on Orlando Pirates to allow their young star, Relebohile Mofokeng to move to Europe should a suitable offer arise.
Motale believes that the talented 20-year-old midfielder has outgrown domestic football and is ready for the next step in his career.
Read – Khanye: But What Has He Done For Chiefs So Far?
Mofokeng has been a revelation for the Buccaneers this season, showcasing maturity and consistency beyond his years.
His contributions have been instrumental in Pirates' impressive CAF Champions League campaign, where his six goal involvements in nine matches helped the club qualify for the quarter-finals without a single loss.
Across all competitions, he has accumulated an impressive 22 goal contributions – scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists in 36 matches – making him a strong contender for end-of-season individual awards.
The young star further cemented his credentials by making his full international debut for Bafana Bafana in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier last Friday.
Mofokeng repaid coach Hugo Broos' faith by scoring the opening goal, highlighting his ability to perform on the international stage.
While Broos has acknowledged Mofokeng's potential to play for a big European club, he has urged caution in ensuring the right move to a team where he will get regular game time.
There is a fear that if Mofokeng moves prematurely to a big European club, then he might lose his place in the South Africa squad if he's sitting on the bench in club football. South Africans had seen this occur a year ago when rising star Cassius Mailula moved from Mamelodi Sundowns to Toronto FC in the MLS. Mailula is now on loan at Wydad Casablanca but has been unable to win his way back into the Bafana squad.
Motale, however, insists that the time is right for Mofokeng to make the move.
Read: Gamondi Open To PSL Return
"I think if an offer comes, he should go as soon as possible. As South Africans, we need to stop holding on to our talented players for too long. Young players need opportunities to advance their careers while they still have time on their side. He is the same age as some players at Barcelona and Real Madrid, and I don't see why he shouldn't leave for Europe if there is a good offer for him. It would be beneficial for him to gain international experience so that by the time South Africa plays in the World Cup, he will already be playing at the highest level," said Motale.
Motale's sentiments echo a broader call for South African clubs to embrace the idea of exporting young talent to Europe, ensuring that the country's footballers develop at the highest level and contribute effectively to the national team's success on the global stage.
For all your exclusive football content and breaking news, join our WhatsApp Channel here.
