McCarthy says Mofokeng has proved Broos wrong in Belgium
Kenya coach Benni McCarthy says Relebohile Mofokeng's strong start in Belgium has proved Hugo Broos wrong, days before Bafana Bafana face Kenya in Afcon qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana great Benni McCarthy has taken a swipe at former national coach Hugo Broos over his doubts about Relebohile Mofokeng, according to IOL. McCarthy says he is pleased with how the attacker has settled at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Mofokeng’s start in Belgium
IOL reported that Broos had earlier questioned whether Mofokeng’s slight build would count against him abroad, and said the player would struggle in the Belgian Pro League. Since leaving Orlando Pirates for Union Saint-Gilloise, the 22-year-old has scored five goals and provided four assists in 17 matches across all competitions.
His form has carried over to the national team. Mofokeng played an important part in three successive Bafana wins last month, which included qualifier victories over Guinea and Eritrea.
What McCarthy said
McCarthy now coaches Kenya’s Harambee Stars. He spoke to SportyTV about Mofokeng’s progress and said Broos had been highly critical of the player, believing he was too small and too slight for European standards.
“He’s proven his biggest critic wrong,” McCarthy said, adding that it was what made him proudest of the youngster. He said it showed Mofokeng was a survivor who could cope when placed in an uncomfortable situation.
McCarthy also told Mofokeng not to become complacent. He should finish the season strongly, he said, which could attract clubs that would give him Champions League football next season. “It’s a great stepping stone for him,” McCarthy said.
What happens next
The timing adds interest to the comments. Bafana meet Kenya in back-to-back Afcon qualifiers. The first match is at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, and the return leg is in Nairobi next Tuesday.
McCarthy will be on the opposing bench against his home country, where he remains the all-time top scorer with 31 goals. Mofokeng will be hoping to keep up his recent form in both matches.
- First leg: Bafana Bafana v Kenya, Orlando Amstel Arena, Friday
- Second leg: Kenya v Bafana Bafana, Nairobi, next Tuesday
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
