Riveiro believes Pirates’ Mofokeng is ready for EPL trial

Just a few months after his promotion to the first team, Orlando Pirates teenager Relebohile Mofokeng has earned himself a trial in the United Kingdom (UK) with English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro has revealed.

In July this year, this publication’s Mgosi Squad revealed that Mofokeng has attracted interest from teams abroad after impressing during Bucs pre-season tour in Spain prior to the start of the season.

Mofokeng only started playing in the senior team in the middle of last season, and he made himself one of Riveiro’s key figures in attack, which includes Patrick Maswanganyi, Monnapule Saleng and Zakhele Lepasa.

The former Transnet School of Excellence player is reaping the rewards of his hard work, with Riveiro’s believe in him by granting him game seemingly working well for both the coach and the player.

The Pirates mentor believes Mofokeng is ready for whatever is coming for him, and he is at the right age to make a big move in his career.

“He’s in the UK, he is having a trial period with Wolves. I believe he’s ready for whatever is coming,” Riveiro revealed during the Carling Black Knockout press-conference on Wednesday.

“He is in a proper age. Maybe it looks like early – 18 – but not for me. If you follow the current situation in Europe, at 17, 18 or 19 it’s really frequent to get your first minutes in the top teams.”

Riveiro emphasised the need to change the mindset and mission of youngsters, and says it doesn’t matter what age they are.  

“You have to little by little change our vision of the youngsters. When you are ready, you are ready,” the Spaniard continued.

“Even if you’re 18 or 28, you’re ready you’re ready. We know the type of talent Rele is, and everything is in his hands to use this opportunity.”

Mofokeng won’t be available for the Buccaneers clash against Cape Town Spurs in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout at Orlando Stadium on Friday.