Jose Riveiro discusses Relebohile Mofokeng's performance as Orlando Pirates pursue domestic success

Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has expressed confidence that star midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng will overcome his slow start to the season and continue playing a central role for the Buccaneers.

Mofokeng recently returned from injury and immediately made an impact, producing a stylish assist in his team’s 3-1 away victory over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership earlier this month.

The gifted midfielder missed Bafana Bafana’s recent World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda after picking up a knock against Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout round of 16, just before the final two qualifiers.

With only a short window before Hugo Broos names the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month, the youngster will be eager to impress and secure his spot in the national team.

Having been a key figure in Riveiro’s squad, particularly last season, Mofokeng carried a significant amount of responsibility during his early career at Pirates. The arrival of new signings has eased some of the pressure on the youngster, but in the limited minutes he has played this season, he has shown glimpses of his usual quality, albeit not as consistently as before.

Riveiro, who was well known for his trust in young players during his tenure at Pirates, placed considerable faith in Mofokeng and other emerging talents — a quality that continues to benefit the club today.

The 50-year-old coach believes Mofokeng has enough experience to understand his game and expects he will soon return to his best, with this period of inconsistency being a normal phase in any footballer’s career.

“Rele is a mature guy. I cannot confirm he is out of touch, but I am certain that he will find a way to get back on track and perform the same way he used to.

“Having ups and downs in a player’s career is normal because you cannot be at your peak constantly, and I think Rele makes it easy for everyone to perform the way he performs week in and week out.

“I am certain that he will continue enjoying playing football and playing good games, bringing goals, assists, and playing the way he used to for Pirates and Bafana Bafana.”

Riveiro guided the Buccaneers to a semi-final finish in last season’s CAF Champions League. After their second preliminary round elimination this year, Pirates will miss out on the continental competition but remain well positioned to compete for honours in the remaining domestic tournaments.

The Sea Robbers also recently learned that their appeal against Democratic Republic of Congo side Saint Eloi Lupopo was unsuccessful, ending any hope of making the group stages. Nevertheless, Riveiro believes the team has continued to progress since his departure and is in a strong position to add further silverware to the MTN8 title claimed earlier this season.

“They are progressing and playing well,” Riveiro said of his former side.

“They have exciting players with a good mix of youngsters and experience fighting for each and every title this season in all the domestic competitions.

“They have a fantastic opportunity to fight for the league until the end, and hopefully this year they can make it. I like the club, and I want them to win every match and succeed.”