Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng given permission to showboat ahead of Patrick Maswanganyi - 'He is still young...he doesn't abuse it'

Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng has carved himself a reputation as one of the most skilful players in South African football.

With showboating receiving criticism from some quarters, Jabu Mahlangu has backed Mofokeng to display his skills.

"He is still young, he's growing, he's learning. I'm happy with the way Hugo Broos introduces him, he introduces him gradually. He does not throw him at the deep end," Mahlangu said on SABC's Soccer Zone as per KickOff.

"And whenever he's been given an opportunity, he rises to the occasion. He is bringing back the type of football we love in South Africa, from ekasi.

"The fans need to see the likes of Rele doing that, ayibambe, ayipolishe [showcasing skill] and stop to always playing directly as if we don't have a skill. As South Africans, we're gifted! It is how we express ourselves. And what I like about him, everything he does, he does it at the right time, he doesn't abuse [showboating]."

The issue of showboating has been very topical in the Premier Soccer League this season.

Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi and Kaizer Chiefs' Mfundo Vilakazi are also known for not being shy to display their skills.

That has divided opinion with some supporting showboating as giving identity to South African football while others criticising it as regressive.

After showcasing his skills during Bafana Bafana's hosting of South Sudan last week, it is to be seen if Mofokeng will take showboating to the Caf Champions League.

Pirates are bidding to win their first Champions League trophy since 1995 and this is a tournament Mofokeng and Maswanganyi might attract attention by showboating.