Relebohile Mofokeng Opens Up On Being Benched By Jose Riveiro In MTN8 Final
- Relebohile Mofokeng sheds light on why Jose Riveiro decided to bench him in Orlando Pirates' MTN8 final victory over Stellenbosch
- The 19-year-old striker was the game-changer off the bench, directly contributing to two goals that sealed the win for the Buccaneers
- Mofokeng continues to showcase his immense talent, proving he's one of Africa's brightest young stars with another stellar performance
Hey there, sports fans! Let’s dive right into this incredible story. South African football sensation Relebohile Mofokeng has finally opened up about coach Jose Riveiro’s decision to start him on the bench during the thrilling MTN8 final clash between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC. This game wasn’t just any ordinary match; it was a showcase of pure talent, grit, and strategy.
Now, Mofokeng didn’t start the game, but when he came on, it was game over for Stellenbosch. In the second half, the Bafana Bafana star stepped onto the pitch and made an immediate impact. He set up Pirates' second goal, which was scored by Tshegofatso Mabasa in stoppage time. But that’s not all—he wasn’t done yet. The young forward sealed the deal with the final goal of the game, capping off a mesmerizing solo run that left everyone in awe.
Mofokeng Explains Riveiro's Tactical Move
In a post-match interview, as reported by GOAL, Mofokeng revealed the reasoning behind Riveiro’s decision to keep him on the bench. The 19-year-old explained that the coach’s plan was to let the starting lineup tire out Stellenbosch’s players before sending him in to deliver the knockout blow. And boy, did that plan work!
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The Spanish tactician’s strategy paid off in a big way, with Mofokeng proving to be the ultimate match-winner for the Buccaneers. Speaking to KickOff, the youngster expressed his thoughts: “It’s not so much that they trust me to come in the second half and make things happen. I feel like when I come in, I’m adding to the work that’s already been done by the players who started. We all worked as a team, and that’s what matters most.”
“The players who started are the ones who wore down Stellenbosch, creating opportunities for me to step in and do the simple things. It’s all about teamwork.”
Mofokeng made it clear that he was fully prepared to contribute when called upon, even though he began the match on the bench. He added, “So yes, I only come in to work. It’s not that they trust me solely because I’ve been starting games and scoring or assisting. When you start on the bench, it doesn’t mean you won’t play—you just have to stay ready.”
Why Orlando Pirates Reign Supreme in the PSL
Pirates Dominate Domestic Cups Despite Sundowns’ Premiership Reign
Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture here. According to Briefly News, despite Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance in the Betway Premiership, Orlando Pirates have consistently been rated as the best team in the Premier Soccer League over the past two seasons. Since Riveiro took the helm in 2022, the Sea Robbers have been nearly unstoppable in domestic cup finals.
Their ability to mix experienced players with young talents like Mofokeng has set them apart. They’ve shown time and again that they’re not just a team of individual stars but a cohesive unit capable of delivering under pressure. Whether it’s the MTN8, Nedbank Cup, or any other competition, Pirates have proven they’re the team to beat in South Africa’s football landscape.
