Orlando Pirates legend Albert 'Bashin' Mahlangu urges South Africans not to let their dislike for Orlando Pirates, cloud their judgment regarding the club's young talent, Relebohile Mofokeng.
Mahlangu believes that when it comes to skill, the Bafana Bafana youngster is on par with Spain and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
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Mofokeng has already scored five goals and provided nine assists in the 20 matches he has played for the Buccaneers this season.
"Relebohile is exceptional, such talent is rare," Mahlangu tells KickOff.
"I don't care what people say, what I know is that the boy's talent is unique. Jealousy is always present. When someone is performing well, we should give them the accolades they deserve.
"We have often complained about not producing top players, yet now boys like him are emerging, and we let jealousy take over.
"The future of South African football is bright, and this group of players is on the verge of moving overseas. The best part is that they are at the right age for it," he added.
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"If a teenager is already linked to teams like Barcelona, what does that say to the jealous ones? The fact that he plays for Pirates should not lead to hate toward him, he is an asset for South Africa. When was the last time we had a teenager represent Bafana Bafana?
"Whenever Mofokeng has the ball, you can expect something exciting to happen. That boy is gifted and on the same level as greats like Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, and Neymar Jr. Mofokeng is fermenting like a well-brewed umqombothi [African Beer].
"Recently, he has developed the ability to track back and defend. He is raising the South African flag high."