Today’s Orlando Pirates news wrap looks at a tasty soundbite from Rele Mofokeng’s mom. There’s also an interesting view on which Bucs star is most important for Bafana.
Mofokeng’s mom wants her son to leave Orlando Pirates
Relebohile Mofokeng’s mother sounds adamant that her 21-year-old son should leave Orlando Pirates ASAP. The Bafana star shone for South Africa in their history-making 1-0 victory over South Korea. It’s a result that sent Bafana to their first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockouts.
Pirates stars stand up for Bafana Bafana
South Africa’s stellar tactical masterclass and 1-0 win against South Korea was a collective effort. However, a few Orlando Pirates stars shone brightest on the big stage. Mofokeng, understandably, is getting rave reviews for his direct running, penetrative passing and quick thinking. Tshepang Moremi made an immediate impact off the bench, assisting Thapelo Maseko’s goal, which settled the contest. However, it was the selfless work of Evidence Makgopa that really helped his side, which dug its heels in and looked for opportunities to counter. Makgopa’s aerial prowess made him the perfect outlet. Next up for Broos and his charges is an intriguing round of 32 meeting with co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles. That match kicks off at 21:00 SA time on Sunday, 28 June. Will Makgopa keep his place? Which Pirates star will start on the left, Appollis or Moremi? Coach Hugo Broos faces several healthy selection dilemmas in his swansong for the South African national team.
Messi isn’t human
Meanwhile, the magical Mr Lionel Messi just continues to flabbergast the world. The great man has five goals in the tournament so far, including a stunning hat-trick against Algeria, his first at a World Cup. Few would bet against the 39-year-old (his birthday is today, the 24th of June!) guiding his nation to the sport’s most coveted prize once again. Messi is now the most prolific goal-scorer in World Cup history with 18 strikes, at his sixth showpiece. The little maestro from Rosario is the first man to appear at six World Cups, although long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo joined him in that elite club when Portugal opened their campaign against DR Congo a week ago. The iconic attacker is the only player to score in six separate World Cups, after his brace against Uzbekistan.
What did you make of Mofokeng, Makgopa and Moremi’s displays for Bafana on Wednesday? Let us know by clicking the comments banner 🙂