Riveiro Addresses Questions Around Mofokeng

Relebohile Mofokeng during the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup match between Richards Bay and Orlando Pirates

Former Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has expressed confidence in Relebohile Mofokeng’s ability to rediscover his best form, despite concerns over a dip in performances and injury disruptions this season.

Riveiro was speaking during a Carling Knockout/Carling Cup Campaign Media Update in Johannesburg on Wednesday, ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup final between Pirates and Marumo Gallants on December 6.

Read: Riveiro Previews The Carling KO Final

Mofokeng, who flourished under Riveiro during the Spaniard’s tenure at the Soweto giants, has endured what some seem to believe is a challenging spell marked by limited game-time, fitness setbacks, and a slide in confidence.

His absence from the most recent Bafana Bafana squad further fuelled questions about his current trajectory.

Responding to a question about the young star’s struggles and what advice he would offer, Riveiro insisted that fluctuations in form are a natural part of any footballer’s journey.

“Rele is a very mature guy and if it’s true what you’re saying, which I cannot say or confirm right now, I’m sure he’s going to find a way to come back to the right track and still perform the way he used to do it. Having ups and downs in a football career is normal for the players. You cannot be in your peak constantly,” he said.

Riveiro reminded the media that Mofokeng’s talent often makes high-level performances appear effortless, but he remains confident the attacker will regain his rhythm.

Read – Backed To Bounce Back: Chiefs Still Believe In Striker’s Revival

“I think that maybe Rele makes it look easy for everyone to perform the way he does week in, week out. I’m sure that Rele is going to continue enjoying playing football and playing good games and scoring goals and assisting and playing the way that he used to do it for Pirates and for Bafana.”

With the Carling Knockout Cup final approaching and Mofokeng working his way back from injury, all eyes will be on whether the 21-year-old can turn the corner and re-establish himself as one of South Africa’s most promising talents

Photo by Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix 

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