Soccer

Riveiro hopes Pirates hero Mofokeng can become a Bafana star

‘Hopefully everybody can take pleasure in him taking part in frequently for the nationwide crew,’ stated the Buccaneers head coach.

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has stated he hopes Relebohile Mofokeng can become a star for each membership and nation, after the 19 year-old’s good stoppage time objective gave the Buccaneers a 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns within the Nedbank Cup last at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

Mofokeng got here off the bench to offer the decisive second, after Patrick Maswanganyi’s penalty had cancelled out Themba Zwane’s opener for Sundowns. He nutmegged Bongani Zungu, earlier than toe-poking a intelligent end previous Ronwen Williams.

It has been a great week for Mofokeng, who was additionally named in Hugo Broos’ last Bafana Bafana squad for this month’s 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers towards Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Bafana will play Nigeria in Uyo on Friday, after which host Zimbabwe on the Free State Stadium on June 11.

“I am sure for Rele it is a very important moment, coming from the bench in this scenario, against this opponent, and to score when the time is over, to help us lift one more trophy,” stated Riveiro, who has now led the Buccaneers to 2 Nedbank Cups and two MTN8 titles since taking on initially of the 2022/23 marketing campaign.

“Week after week … he’s getting extra full as a soccer participant and the longer term appears vivid.

“I simply hope he can proceed within the house he’s proper now, with how hungry he’s, how a lot he listens and the way a lot he tries to get higher. That is why he’s right here, and why the nationwide crew coach has been attracted by his high quality.

“He is smart, skilful, he loves playing football, as long as he is in the space he is right now, there will only be improvement. Hopefully everyone can enjoy him playing regularly for the national team.”

‘Imagine the questions if we lost!’

Riveiro was philosophical about his crew choice, the place he not noted the in-form Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini from his beginning line-up.

It appeared to backfire because the Buccaneers have been ineffective within the first half after which fell behind, but it surely appeared like a masterstroke after Pirates turned the tie round within the final 20 minutes.

“Imagine the questions if we lost!” stated the Pirates coach.

“We are here to make the decisions and we try to make the decisions we feel will help us win the game. Many didn’t start today who have been regulars in recent games and had amazing moments. It was hard not to play them from the beginning.”


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