Former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mandla Masango has compared Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng to tennis legend Roger Federer.
Mofokeng has been in impressive form at club level, becoming a regular starter for Pirates. In the current season, he has scored four goals and provided five assists in 15 matches across all competitions.
His performances at Pirates earned him a national team call-up. The young attacker made his debut in June against neighbours Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, since then, he’s always present for Bafana.
So far, the 20-year-old has made five appearances with the 1996 African champions, coming in as a substitute in all the matches.
Masango believes Mofokeng possesses a similar elegance and effortless style to tennis legend Roger Federer. The former Bafana Bafana star is impressed by Mofokeng’s astute decision-making and mature approach to the game. He praises the young player’s ability to make football look effortless, much like Federer’s dominance on the tennis court.
MANDLA MASANGO SAYS RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG HAS THE SAME ATTRIBUTES AS ROGER FEREDER
The 43-year-old Swiss international retired from playing tennis in 2022, ending his over two decades playing career. Federer, with 20 Grand Slam titles, has South African citizenship through his mother, Lynette, who is originally from South Africa.
“He’s [Relebohile Mofokeng] one for the future if he keeps his head down. I see he’s a humble boy. I normally compare him to Roger Federer,” Masango told MSW on 974.
“If you are a tennis lover, you would understand how Roger Federer used to play. Everything he did was flawless nothing forced, he made tennis look easier.
“That’s what Rele is doing; you can see the way he’s so mature; decision-making is top-notch. He knows when to dribble and when to release the ball.
“You can have all the talent in the world, but also you need to work hard and be humble. Before you are Rele, the footballer, you are a human being, so I wish him all the best.”
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