Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has given an insight into how he intends to use Relebohile Mofokeng, highlighting the youngster’s ability to influence games from several attacking positions.
Mosimane, who recently replaced Hugo Broos as South Africa’s head coach, was asked about Mofokeng after naming his squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Rather than limiting the 21-year-old to one position, Mosimane pointed to the different roles Mofokeng has already handled at club and international level.
MOSIMANE IMPRESSED BY MOFOKENG’S VERSATILITY
According to Mosimane, Mofokeng showed his quality during South Africa’s recent World Cup matches, including his ability to adapt to a different tactical system.
The Bafana coach noted that Mofokeng operated within a 3-4-3 structure despite not previously being accustomed to that role, while still managing to create opportunities and contribute in front of goal.
That adaptability could prove important for Mosimane as he looks to build an attacking system around players who can operate in multiple positions.
Mofokeng’s club career also illustrates his tactical flexibility.
At Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, the youngster has been used as both a withdrawn striker and on the right wing. During his time at Orlando Pirates, he initially played predominantly as a left winger before also moving into a central attacking role.
Mosimane believes those experiences have demonstrated that Mofokeng can adjust to different formations without losing his attacking impact.
MOFOKENG’S FORM GIVES MOSIMANE ANOTHER OPTION
Mofokeng has made an encouraging start to life in Belgium, adding further weight to his case for an important role with Bafana Bafana.
His ability to play from either flank, operate centrally or support the striker gives Mosimane several tactical options when selecting his attacking lineup.
The coach is therefore unlikely to view Mofokeng simply as a conventional winger. Instead, his versatility could allow Bafana to move him around depending on the opposition and formation.
With the next AFCON qualifiers approaching, attention will now turn to where Mosimane ultimately decides to deploy the young attacker.
Should Relebohile Mofokeng play on the wing, as a No. 10, or closer to the striker for Bafana Bafana?
