Orlando Pirates legend Jerry Sikhosana has revealed his advice to rising star Relebohile Mofokeng, who recently received his first Bafana Bafana call-up, and issued a warning over Mofokeng's playing time in the national team.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a sensational season with Bucs in which he made 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing six assists.
Those efforts have earned him a first call-up to the senior national team ahead of Bafana's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
READ | Broos reveals first impressions of Mofokeng at Bafana
Speaking to media at the recent launch of the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex in Dondotha, Bucs legend Sikhosana shared his advice to the teenager and sent a word of caution to coach Hugo Broos about starting Mofokeng against the Super Eagles on Friday.
"Firstly, let's give him credit," says 'Legs of Thunder', as he is affectionately known.
"I always say to all the boys who go to bigger clubs, it's how you conduct yourself. Because if you play for Pirates or [Kaizer] Chiefs or [Mamelodi] Sundowns and you start getting big-headed because you think you are doing better, I think this is something that is destroying a lot of players.
"But for Mofokeng, the way he has conducted himself is what we want to see, and for me, for him to be in the national team, I hope it's something that will pave the way for him to move forward and perform better but obviously not getting big-headed," he continued.
The 1995 CAF Champions League winner was probed further on whether he would recommend starting the impressive youngster against Nigeria.
"Well, in my case, when we were intruded to the national team, there were many of us - Lovers Mohlala, Benni [McCarthy was in there as well. We were introduced just to be there and see the environment.
"I was doing well, I was scoring goals at Orlando Pirates, but I was not thrown in the deep end because sometimes you get a player at club level, but when you put him in the national team, that's where he gets destroyed because that's where he gets too much attention from a lot of people.
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"Because now you are talking about a nation, not just the club.
"So, for me, him going to the national team should just be for him to be there, for him to train. Maybe if the team is doing well, maybe give him the last 10, 15 minutes, just to give him confidence. They must not put him in the deep end."
Bafana's match against their fiercest rivals on the African continent kicks off at 21:00 (SA time).
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