Former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele impressed by rumored Barcelona-bound Relebohile Mofokeng - 'He’s so smart. He is very smart in the way he plays'

Orlando Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng has been the talk of the country amid speculations linking him with Barcelona.

Happy Jele recently spoke highly of several players in the Bucs camp who have caught his eye and are doing well.

He started with Mofokeng, praising his rapid growth and maturity at just 20 years old.

He highlighted how the youngster takes risks on the field with a smart, confident approach, which is rare for a player so young.

The former Pirates skipper noted that it’s typically around 25 or 26 when players begin to show such qualities, but the 20-year-old’s development has been exceptional.

He also mentioned Thabiso Sesane, who has impressed him as a solid defender in the last two seasons.

Jele also gave credit to Thalente Mbatha, who has made football look effortless since arriving from SuperSport United, and Deon Hotto for his consistency.

“There’s a couple of players. First one obviously is [Relebohile] Mofokeng, the way he has grown from the first season until now. I think he has grown so much and quick as a young player,” Jele said on iDiski Times.

“To be a player that he is at 20 years old, he managed to risk it the way he is risking in the field of play. He’s so smart. He is very smart in the way he plays. Everyone enjoys watching him. Normally, you find this thing when someone is around 25, 26, but Mofokeng, the way he’s grown, was too quick and it’s unbelievable.

“And also [Thabiso] Sesane he’s a youngster that came now, now. The past two seasons have shown me that he’s a great defender and also Thalente Mbatha coming from SuperSport [United] the way he plays he makes football so easy.Watch live soccer online

“[Deon] Hotto, he’s very consistent with his up and down, his crossing and [Tshegofatso] Mabasa he is a scoring machine, never take away from that man. He loves scoring goals and we can see.”

The players mentioned by Jele form the core of Pirates' squad, and they will need to continue playing well to ensure success for the team.

After losing their first game over the past weekend, they must quickly shift their focus to upcoming matches.

The team is looking to bounce back, with these key players playing a central role in their resurgence.

Some of these players, including Hotto, are also key parts of their national teams, which adds extra pressure and responsibility.

Hotto's international experience with Namibia will provide him with valuable insight that he can bring back to the Pirates camp.

The Bucs will need to rely on the consistency and growth of these players if they are to challenge for titles both domestically and in Africa.

Mofokeng’s next focus should be on continuing to perform well for Pirates.

His goal should be to raise his hand on the continental stage and showcase his abilities in key matches.

A strong performance in the upcoming Caf competitions will increase his value and attract potential suitors.

With his rumoured interest from Barcelona, Mofokeng has the chance to prove himself on a larger platform.

The next game against Al Ahly, Africa's best club, at Orlando Stadium, will be an important test, and a win could help them top their group.