Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder explains why Relebohile Mofokeng should leave Bucs - 'There is a problem of bad company and of slay queens'

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Benson Mhlongo explained why it is time for Relebohile Mofokeng to sign for a foreign club.

Mhlongo, who could also play as a midfielder during his active years, listed the negative influences that Mofokeng will confront if he stays with Bucs.

"Abroad should always be a plus for any player. In terms of how we do things, we're still behind, and as a country, we don't want to accept that," Mhlongo told KickOff.

"There are a lot of things we don't have at our disposal as teams. If he goes overseas, he's going to grow. Not to say he won't grow at Pirates, but at home there are too many negative elements that the boy will face and has to manoeuvre around," he added.

"We have a problem of bad company, we have a problem of 'slay queens,' and we have a problem of guidance. We don't take seriously the mental aspect of the game that these boys go through, the pressure they go through. If Pirates can have a psychologist, he can stay around."

A move abroad will not only benefit Mofokeng, but such a transfer will also have a positive impact on Bafana Bafana, Mhlongo argues.

"But if they don't have it, let's save the boy from the social illness we're facing as a country and give the young boy a chance to grow and come back and represent the country for us to have a chance in the World Cup," the Cape Town Spurs assistant head coach continued.

"Sometimes it's all about the bigger picture: develop as much as we can for the national team. He has done his part; let him go and open up space for other youngsters."

The calls for Mofokeng to leave the Premier Soccer League continue to grow by the day.

Just recently, his father revealed his deep desire to see his son play for top European clubs, saying he does not want to see him feature in the local league again.

However, the father insisted that although he would like the 20-year-old star to leave, signing for a club in Saudi Arabia is not one of his preferences.

His standout performance for the Sea Robbers has put the forward in the limelight.

Given that he has been linked with a number of clubs, including Maccabi Haifa of Israel, the list of suitors interested in him is expected to grow.