Relebohile Mofokeng compared to global superstars after being urged to reject FC Barcelona and join Nico Williams' La Liga club Athletic Bilbao by Uefa Champions League winner - 'He's at the same level as Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi & Neymar Jr'

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Bashin Mahlangu has made a bold claim regarding Relebohile Mofokeng, likening him to Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, and current Barcelona player Lamine Yamal.

The youngster has established himself as one of the best attackers in South Africa since he was promoted to the Pirates first team from the club's academy in the 2022/2023 season.

His remarkable performances recently earned him multiple individual accolades and he is on the radar of FC Barcelona B side.

Uefa Champions League winner with FC Porto Benni McCarthy has urged the 20-year-old to reject Barcelona and join a Spanish La Liga like Athletic Bilbao.

Mahlangu has become the latest local football legend to laud the Buccaneers' starlet.

"Relebohile is exceptional, such talent is rare. I don't care what people say, what I know is that the boy's talent is unique. Jealousy is always present. When someone is performing well, we should give them the accolades they deserve," Mahlangu told KickOff. 

"We have often complained about not producing top players, yet now boys like him are emerging, and we let jealousy take over. The future of South African football is bright, and this group of players is on the verge of moving overseas. The best part is that they are at the right age for it. 

"If a teenager is already linked to teams like Barcelona, what does that say to the jealous ones? The fact that he plays for Pirates should not lead to hate toward him, he is an asset for South Africa. When was the last time we had a teenager represent Bafana Bafana?" the former midfielder explained. 

"Whenever Mofokeng has the ball, you can expect something exciting to happen. That boy is gifted and on the same level as greats like Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, and Neymar Jr. Mofokeng is fermenting like a well-brewed umqombothi (African Beer)," he added. 

"Recently, he has developed the ability to track back and defend. He is raising the South African flag high."

Mofokeng enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 season under the guidance of Jose Riveiro, where he claimed the PSL Young Player of the Year award.

The Sharpeville-born player's performances from last season led to him being linked with Scottish giants Rangers and Austrian outfit FC Red Bull Salzburg.

This could be the former Safa School of Excellence product's last season in the Premier Soccer League if he continues to produce eye-catching displays for Pirates and South Africa.

For now, the youngster will be focusing on helping Pirates win more silverware this season having already won the MTN8 title in October.

Mofokeng and his Pirates teammates will be in action in Saturday's Caf Champions League Group C match against Stade d'Abidjan in Soweto.