The sample size may be small, but there are certainly a few clues that can be gained from Rangers’ January transfer activity.
Rather than under Mick Beale, when the Scottish Premiership giants appeared to prioritise more experienced players in need of a fresh start after falling on hard times, Rangers spent the winter looking at young, hungry talents capable of thriving in a variety of roles.
An approach which seems to have done them pretty good so far.
‘Versatile’ was a word Philippe Clement used often when discussing Mohamed Diomande, such a hit after joining from Nordsjaelland in Denmark, while Oscar Cortes may have also done enough even during an injury-hit spell in Scotland to earn himself a permanent contract. Fabio Silva, despite being around for years, is still only 21 himself.
Reported interest in the likes of Jefte Vital, Leopold Querfeld and Aussie starlet Raphael Borges Rodrigues suggests that Clement and director Nils Koppen will be pursuing a similar tactic when the summer window opens.
You can now add Relebohile Mofokeng to that list, too.
Rangers eye Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates
According to reports in South Africa, and picked up by the reliable Scouts in Attendance X page, Rangers are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old Orlando Pirates whizzkid. A midfielder who can also play on the left or the right wing – there’s that word versatile again – the 19-year-old has four goals and six assists in an impressive breakout campaign.
Mofokeng had a trial at Wolves in late-2023. Whether the Premier League outfit will return in the summer remains to be seen.
But with Rangers now joining the race, the man who scored perhaps the most famous goal in South African history – the opener vs Mexico at the 2010 World Cup – feels that his young compatriot must seize the opportunity should a move to Europe present itself.
“Rele is one of them,” Siphiwe Tshabalala tells Kick Off when asked to pick the best young talents in South Africa.
“He is young, very talented, and I am glad he is getting game time in a big team. And he also influences the games.”
Tshabalala feels that Mofokeng could even become the ‘best South African export’, overtaking the success of Leeds legend Lucas Radebe, former Manchester United midfielder Quentin Fortune and ex-Everton and Tottenham schemer Stephen Pienaar.
“He has great, great potential of being the best South African export,” Tshabalala adds. “And there is a great future for him in the national team.
“I would advise players to go abroad. When the opportunity arises, I would advise that. We must also have higher aspirations. South Africa is not our ceiling.
“There is life in Europe. Now, there is also Saudi Arabia. So it’s not only about your career, it should also benefit you financially. Playing football is not just for recreational purposes. It’s work and it’s business.
“Therefore, it has to reward you.”
Glasgow giants looking at South Africa for bargain buys
Mofokeng, a humble young man who doesn’t use social media and prefers to let his football do the talking, certainly has a long way to go and a lot to learn. But Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela feels that his young team-mate has the personality as well as the ability to make good on his potential.
“First and foremost, Mofokeng is a very humble boy. He’s very grounded,” Maela tells Sowetan Live. “When you talk to him, he listens and he listens to understand.
“So, I think that quality will take him very far. In terms of him being a star, well, he’s far from that, I’ll be honest with you.
“There’s still a lot of work that he needs to put in. He still has to improve on a lot of things and he acknowledges that. Yes, the fans love him but he needs to stay close to reality and focus on his game and just block all the outside noise.”
That, however, may become a little bit more difficult with Rangers reportedly on his trail.
