Former Ajax Cape Town teenage sensation Mkhanyiseli Siwahla believes that Spanish giants FC Barcelona may be too big a club at this stage for Orlando Pirates' up-and-coming star Relebohile Mofokeng.
Mofokeng has been a revelation since he was promoted to the senior team from the DStv Diski Challenge team.
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It has been reported that Barcelona is considering the Bafana Bafana international for their B-team.
"Mofokeng has been performing well, and for me, he could even play in LaLiga. It's positive that he's being linked with such a prestigious club," Siwahla told KickOff.com.
"However, there are other teams better-suited for him than Barcelona. He needs to start at a level where he can grow.
"Barcelona has a unique environment, where they typically sign players from their own youth development ranks, similar to what used to happen at Ajax Amsterdam.
"They are not accustomed to purchasing young talent from outside. Their philosophy emphasizes developing players from a very young age, and it's not easy for them to integrate an outsider at the ages of 17, 18, or 19, especially since their young players are often already embedded in the first team and familiar with the club's culture.
"Mofokeng's style of play may be well-suited to Spanish football, but he would have a better chance of succeeding at clubs that finish in positions five, six, or seven in LaLiga. There, he could truly thrive and develop.
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"He should consider joining well-run teams that are competing for a Top Eight finish. That would provide him with the right environment for growth," continues Siwahla.
The 20-year-old Mofokeng has scored four goals and provided seven assists for the Buccaneers so far this season.