Has Jomo Sono anointed Relebohile Mofokeng to take Orlando Pirates' sacred number 10 jersey instead of Patrick Maswanganyi? - 'He’s exciting...a genius'

Jomo Sono has previously rebuffed comparisons between him and Patrick Maswanganyi, calling the Orlando Pirates midfielder an ant while referring to himself as an elephant.

That came as Maswanganyi donned the number 10 jersey in the Caf Champions League after the number was retired by Pirates for domestic competitions in honour of Sono. 

A debate has ensued with fans divided on whether Maswanganyi deserves to carry the iconic number and now Sono has thrown Relebohile Mofokeng into the mix.

“You must ask [Irvin] Khoza,” Sono said as per Sowetan Live after he was asked about the number 10 debate.

“Speak to Khoza because he’s the owner of the club, that’s why I’m mentioning his name.

“The player who has a bright future is Mofokeng. He’s exciting...a genius.” 

Mofokeng has been wearing number 10 for Bafana Bafana in the absence of Percy Tau but is yet to become a national team regular for reasons stated by coach Hugo Broos.

On the other hand, Maswanganyi has not been in top form for Pirates this season but has scored two national team goals against Uganda and South Sudan recently. 

That weighed in favour of Maswanganyi as a possible befitting replacement for the ageing and long term injury worry Themba Zwane in the Bafana fold.

Maswanganyi has opportunities to show that he deserves to be wearing the Pirates number 10 shirt as they are due to begin their participation in the Champions League group stage.

The Buccaneers visit CR Belouizdad for their Group C opener on Tuesday which will also present Mofokeng with a chance to show that he is fit to inherit the popular shirt number.