No one will argue that Sedibeng, formerly Vaal Triangle, is a merger of South African football.
Those with long memories will attest to Zakes’s Sports Corner that this region is indeed a merger of South African football.
The Sedibeng region has produced many household names in South African football with Relebohile Mofokeng being the latest player from Vaal.
Mofokeng who comes from the dusty streets of Sharpeville, is arguable the best thing South African football has seen.
Zakes’ Sport Corner witnessed this unique talent when he was playing at a tender age for a local development football club, Celeb Youth Academy.
He showed potential and never disappointed those who predicted his future. Since Mofokeng made his debut in top flight football, he’s been representing Orlando Pirates – mostly carrying the team on his shoulders. In fact, he is a young man with a big heart. Mofokeng’s name is on everyone’s lips, even admired by the opposition’s fans. If there is anyone who is not talking about this young man, he is an enemy of progress to say the least!
Like Zakes’ Sports Corner highlighted at the beginning, the Vaal always produced exceptional talent since the days of Steve “Chippa” Lekoelea and Thabo Rakhale, who also played for the same team.
Just like Mofokeng, these two were Orlando Pirates’ darlings, mesmerising opponents with their God-given talent. Zakes’s Sports Corner doesn’t know if this is coincidence, but Pirates has always signed exceptional players from Vaal.
Some of the exciting talent that Pirates signed from the Vaal region includes Joseph “China” Masondo, Sailor Tshabalala, Motlatsi “Boom Shaka” Moopeloa and Phiri Tsotetsi to mention only a few. This club always believed in the Vaal’s players for some reason only known to the club’s chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza.
To date Mofokeng is the talk of town in South African football circles compared to other youngsters in the PSL. This is because of his unique skill that leaves many opponents ‘dead’ every time he has ball possession.
He simply started this season where he left off last season, with a great performance scoring his first CAF goal and MTN8 goal. This is the performance that made Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos include him in the national team. Mofokeng is destined for a great future if his current form is anything to go by. Zakes’ Sports Corner prediction: If Bafana Bafana qualify for the World Cup, Mofokeng will defiantly be one of the first players on Broos’s list. Zakes’s Sports Corner can only wish Mofokeng to remain consistent and his talent to be protected. He is a huge asset to South African football.