With speculation suggesting that Rangers have ‘stolen a march’ on their rivals in pursuit of one of the most exciting young talents outside of European football, news of his potential move to Ibrox are going down pretty well back home.
According to the Scottish Sun, Rangers are ‘closing in on a deal‘ that will see them snap up a much-coveted 19-year-old from under the noses of Al-Ahly, Wolves and Red Bull Salzburg.
And that is no mean feat. Wolverhampton Wanderers have the riches of the Premier League behind them, and took the Rangers target on trial late last year. Al-Ahly have Middle Eastern money. Salzburg, meanwhile, have made quite a name for themselves as elite developers of young talent.
Relebohile ‘Rele’ Mofokeng, however, may instead put his future in Rangers’ hands, rather than take the tried and trusted route through the Red Bull school that can count Sadio Mane, Ibrahima Konate, Erling Haaland and co as graduates.
Rangers close in on Rele Mofokeng signing
Mofokeng, called up to the senior South Africa squad at the age of just 19 last week, currently plies his trade at Orlando Pirates. But seemingly not for much longer.
Solomon Mathe, a one-time Pirates midfielder himself, feels that a move to Europe would only benefit Mofokeng. First-team minutes may be harder to come by at Rangers – especially if Philippe Clement’s side complete the permanent signing of Mohamed Diomande – but the success of Steven Pienaar, Aaron Mokoena, Quinton Fortune and co on British soil has Mathe confident that history can be repeated, albeit north of the border.
“I think (Mofokeng) has done well this season. And, if an opportunity from overseas arises, he needs to go,” Mathe tells Soccer Laduma.
“Remember when Steven Pienaar left for Ajax? He was still young and became a household name. Even Aaron Mokoena did the same. So, he must go now and grow as a player. And he will succeed because he is a clever player.
“Actually, it’s good when you leave while still young as there is a lot that you avoid in the country which can derail your development and growth. So I would say he should leave now.”
Rangers, in the Clement and Nils Koppen era, have already shown that they are not afraid to cast the net a little wider in pursuit of bargains. They have already snapped up Diomande from Denmark, and have also looked at players currently based in Bulgaria (Jose Cordoba), Hungary (Adama Traore), Cyprus (Jefte Vital) and Australia (Raphael Borges Rodrigues).
Ibrox target likened to Barcelona and Spain legend
Mofokeng, silky, stylish and boasting defence-splitting, scalpel-like passes, has four goals and six assists for Orlando Pirates this season. Comparisons have even been drawn with one of the most talented – and most decorated – attacking midfielders of the 21st century.
“I don’t see Mofokeng struggling in the national team,” former Bafana Bafana star Benson Mhlongo tells Kick Off.. “He’s quick in his decision-making, and he has quick vision to spot runners. He creates.
“He reminds me of Iniesta. I know because I played against him. Iniesta is very small, but you can’t take the ball away from him.
“Mofokeng is smart in finding spaces and also a good passer.”
