Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Mandla Masango explains why is unhappy with Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng’s Bafana Bafana snub.
Masango argues that Mofokeng must be given a chance to be in the Bafana squad as Hugo Broos prepares for the upcoming AFCON tournament.
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The former SuperSport United and Chiefs star, Masango says the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo were given a chance to be in the national sides at a tender age.
Mofokeng has been a revelation for Pirates this term but he is excluded from the Bafana preliminary squad that was named by Broos last week.
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Broos is expected to announce his final Bafana squad on December 28 with the camp beginning in Stellenbosch on January 4 – but Masango wants the starlet to be included.
The 19-year-old Pirates starlet has impressed many and has been key for coach Jose Riveiro as he also attracted European intererest.
“I wouldn’t say he’s been overlooked but I would’ve loved to see Mofokeng as part of the travelling squad because he’s young and he’s doing very well,” he told the media per IOL.
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“He doesn’t even have to play but that on its own will give him a confidence booster. Because if you think back at the likes of (Cristiano) Ronaldo, who made their national debuts at around the same age as Mofokeng, so I would’ve loved to see that happening with him.”
Moreover, Mofokeng has already featured 17 times for the Pirates across the Dstv Premiership, MTN8, CAF Champions League and the Carling Knockout Cup so far.
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The 34-year-old former Bafana star, Masango boasts 22 Bafana international caps as he featured between 2014 and 2016, and believes the former African champions can cause an upset in Cote d’Ivoire.
“I’m confident going to the Afcon because, at the end of the day, it’s all about results,” adds Masango.
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“For us to qualify for Afcon speaks volumes about the kind of progress we are making and for everyone that’s contributed to Bafana qualifying. It raises their confidence to say we can do well at the tournament.”
Looking at the AFCON group, Bafana will face Mali on January 16 against Mali and will also meet neighbours, Namibia and Tunisia.
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