Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula has weighed in on the comparison between the club’s young star, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.
Both players burst onto the scene for their respective clubs last season, with Yamal even contributing to Spain's UEFA Euro victory. Mofokeng also earned his first Bafana Bafana cap in June against Zimbabwe.
Makhaula praised Mofokeng's leadership qualities, suggesting he has the potential to captain the Buccaneers in the future.
MAKHAULA ON MOFOKENG’S LEADERSHIP SKILLS
“Yeah, I can say that [Yamal comparison],” Makhaula told iDiski Times.
“Because [when] Rele came in at Pirates there was [Thembinkosi] Lorch but you can see that he can carry this team.
“He can be the captain and carry us, senior guys, because when chips are down you just look at Rele like Rele ‘what’s going on’? And he will tell you ‘Grootman’ relax, everything is going to be fine’. Then you know we are going to end well.”
Similar to Yamal, Makhaula believes Mofokeng possesses an innate ability to evade opponents' plans. He expects another stellar season from the 19-year-old.
‘IT'S A REALLY BIG SEASON FOR HIM'
“Yoh! Difficult question but I think it’s a really big season for him because at the end of last season they were already planning for him,” he added.
“So I think this season is going to be a difficult season because everyone is going to focus on him. That’s why I’m saying that the Nkotas and the other youngsters can maybe get that pressure from Rele to go down.
“It’s going to be hard but he is a boy with a big heart and I know that when he is on the field he makes magic. Even if you can close him, I don’t know how many times I have seen especially in Spain, he was…I don’t even know how to say it. I mean he is young but he’s on another level let’s be honest.”
