Pitso Mosimane weighs in on Relebohile Mofokeng’s tactical evolution

The debate surrounding Relebohile Mofokeng’s ideal role on the pitch has gained a heavyweight perspective. Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns tactician Pitso Mosimane has weighed in, offering an analysis on where the Orlando Pirates sensation is most effective.

Mofokeng is currently enjoying a stellar run under Abdeslam Ouaddou, serving as a cornerstone in the Buccaneers’ pursuit of the Betway Premiership title. As the Soweto giants go toe-to-toe with Mamelodi Sundowns for the league crown, the youngster’s influence has become impossible to ignore.

The 21-year-old was again at his clinical best in Pirates’ most recent game,  finding the net in the club’s 3-0 demolition of AmaZulu FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena. That victory propelled the Sea Robbers to the summit of the log, sitting on 58 points after 25 matches.

Mofokeng’s individual numbers are equally impressive. He has now racked up 10 league goals in 22 appearances this season. This puts him within striking distance of the Golden Boot, trailing only Junior Dion (13) and Iqraam Rayners (11) in the scoring charts.

Mosimane Joins Debate on Mofokeng: Winger, Striker, or No. 10?

Since graduating from the Pirates development structures in 2023, Mofokeng has transitioned from a traditional touchline winger to a sophisticated central threat. Speaking on Marawa Sports Worldwide, Mosimane highlighted that Mofokeng’s “best position” is entirely dependent on the system he is deployed in.

“Mofokeng is a top talent; he’s very intelligent. There is always a challenge on whether he is a winger, striker, or a 10,” Mosimane noted.

Using European tactical benchmarks to explain the youngster’s versatility, Mosimane drew parallels to the English Premier League.

“It depends on how you use a 10. If you play a 4-3-3, there is no 10—there’s a 6 and two 8s. But if you play a 4-2-3-1, then he’s a 10. If you play like Unai Emery, with wingers coming inside a lot, then he’s not [just] a winger; he fits in well in that Aston Villa-style shape.”

From Provider to Finisher

While Mofokeng first caught the eye as a creative hub, Mosimane is most impressed by the player’s developing “killer instinct” in front of goal.

“He’s a half of everything, but what I like is that now he is scoring goals,” the coach added. “We used to know him for assisting a lot, but now he’s scoring.”

With the Soweto Derby on the horizon and a league title hanging in the balance, Mofokeng’s ability to adapt to any tactical “shape” may well be the factor that tips the scales in Pirates’ favour.