Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Sangweni has offered a word of advice to rising star Relebohile Mofokeng amidst the brouhaha regarding his brilliant debut season in the topflight.
Mofokeng has been a revelation for Pirates, with four goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.
READ | Portia Modise: I could have played in the PSL
With the shock exit of Thembinkosi Lorch, some would argue that the teenager had been thrown into the spotlight far too early in his young career.
However, Sangweni, who made over 100 appearances for the Soweto giants, believes Mofokeng has what it takes to be the side's go-to man.
"I take my hat off to him," Sangweni said on Gagasi FM's ExtraTime.
"It's not easy to play for that team because, first of all, the badge on that jersey is heavy. But he had people that guided him.
"I was happy to hear Mandla Ncikazi say when the boy arrived, he was scared and he told him, 'Don't be afraid. If someone is bothering you, I'll stand up for you. Just do whatever you want with the ball. Do what we brought you here to do'.
"What I will ask from him is to not get arrogant or see himself as established. He should continue being humble. Everything is on him now.
"Everything is in his hands now. Lorch is no longer there, the Oupa Manyisas are no longer there, and he is the one that's left.
Bongani Zungu's career at Dunusa ENDS today by Rele Mofokeng??????#OnceAlways#NedbankCupFinal pic.twitter.com/YVyzT3htFy
— Goodwill (@SkhumbuzoBucs) June 1, 2024
ALSO READ | THREE things Nabi has to address at Chiefs
"He must forget about who was playing in that position. He must just tell himself that: 'When I have the ball, I'm in charge'.
"When I was in that back-four line, I used to tell myself that no one will pass me and there's no boy that will show off at my expense. Mofokeng needs to have that self-belief, to tell himself: 'The team is mine and not the chairman's. It's my team, I own it and I have to fight for it'. I think he'll get it right.
Mofokeng is being linked to a move abroad, with interest known to come from Scottish giants Rangers.