Ex-Orlando Pirates star Kermit Erasmus sends message to Barcelona coach Hansi Flick on Relebohile Mofokeng and Lamine Yamal combination - 'Sweets and chocolates'

Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng is being rumoured to be a transfer target of former European champions FC Barcelona.

Ex-Buccaneers forward Kermit Erasmus tips Mofokeng to be an asset for Blaugrana and feels he could form a deadly partnership with 17-year-old Spain starlet Lamine Yamal.

Mofokeng is in his third season playing top-flight league football and has turned himself into a key player in the last two terms.

He is also now also a full South Africa international but the Barcelona rumours link him to the Barcelona B team.

For someone who has made progress in the past three seasons, playing for Barcelona's reserve team might be viewed as a step back in his career, that is certainly how local fans feel about the links.

Mofokeng would be keen to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar who moved to Europe as teenagers, although they went straight into first-team football.

Considering his position and the esteem with which he is held at home in South Africa, he may not fancy going the same route as Shandre Campbell who is now at Club Brugge's NXG development side.

The 20-year-old still has the Premier Soccer League, Caf Champions League and Nedbank Cup to compete for in Pirates colours this season.

There is also the matter of helping Bafana qualify for the 2026 World Cup, to add to their qualification for Afcon 2025.

That is more time for Mofokeng to prove himself and gain experience which could be crucial for a move to Europe at the end of the season.