Mofokeng’s renewed confidence offers hope for Pirates and Bafana

IF Relebohile Mofokeng’s performance against Chippa United midweek was anything to go by, perhaps we can start murmuring that the jewel of South African football is nearing his best.

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Mofokeng showed flashes of his old self against the Chilli Boys.

He dictated play with his nippy feet and accurate passes. So much so that he was largely credited for the team’s opener, as he cut Chippa’s defence open brilliantly, finding Deon Hotto, who set up Evidence Makgopa.

Having watched the game from the box, captivated by his every move and having the pleasure of replays at my fingertips, I was certain he would walk away with the Player of the Match award.

But alas, it was his older brother, Hotto, who got the honours — another questionable call from our colleagues behind the mic.

I am sure, though, that plenty of us — yours truly included — who had been mesmerised by Mofokeng’s performance weren’t bothered that he didn’t get the award. He already has many in his collection, and even bigger accolades, despite only making his professional breakthrough just yesterday.

Seeing a flourishing Mofokeng had become somewhat of a bleak sight this season — the 21-year-old reportedly disturbed by the club's disapproval of offers from overseas, particularly the Middle East, for his signature.