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Former KRC Genk defender Aaron Mokoena says the fuss being made about Relebohile Mofokeng’s physique is not a serious challenge for a player as intelligent as the former Orlando Pirates attacker.
Mofokeng, 21, recently signed for Belgium Pro league side Royale Union Saint- Gilloise for four years with an option to extend for another year.
The deal has been subject of conversation since it was concluded with pundits and fans alike expressing happiness and pride in Mofokeng while there have been expressed worried about his frame.
Speaking to iDiski Times senior writer Matshelane Mamabolo in edition 263 of the newspaper, ‘Mbazo’ maintained that people are worrying over nothing as Mofokeng’s understanding of the game is superior same as other players he has seen like Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
“Yes, there are situations in football where you’re going to have to protect the ball and compete physically,” Mokoena told iDiski Times.
“But when I look at Rele, I see a player who isn’t afraid of challenges. He goes into 50-50 balls, and he understands the game. Most clubs I played for, after training, players would spend time in the gym.
“But I don’t think that should be the priority for Rele. He’s a player who sees things on the pitch that other players don’t see. He finds those little pockets between defenders and midfielders.
“Whether he plays as a number 10 or from the wing, he understands space. He’s technically gifted, and he thinks faster than most players. Vinícius isn’t a big player. But he understands his strengths. His qualities are speed and taking on defenders. Rele is similar in that he knows his qualities.”
Mokoena added that a closer example for Mofokeng is striker Percy Tau who is built similar when he first moved to Belgium in 2018.
“How big was Percy Tau?” added the former Bafana captain.
“He wasn’t a big player either. Yet he went to Belgium and did well.”
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