A lot has been made about Relebohile Mofokeng’s links with Barcelona B in recent months.
According to reports, the Spanish giants’ reserve team have been keeping tabs on the impressive Orlando Pirates youngster with the view of making a bid in the future.
Mofokeng’s potential move to Barca has been given the rubber stamp by South African football icon Doctor Khumalo, who, according to iDiski Times, felt the club could turn him into a superstar the same way they did a young Lionel Messi.
The problem is, Mofokeng wouldn’t encounter the same issues as Messi.
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There’s no doubt that the 20-year-old has the ability to make it on the European stage should the Spanish giants move for him. But, it takes more than talent to succeed in one of the most competitive countries to play football.
Before making the move, Mofokeng would have to consider what it would take to adapt in a foreign country. In Spain, he would be expected to learn the language quickly in order to start growing as a footballer.
The pressure of hitting the ground running at a massive club like Barcelona could derail his development. These are the things his representatives should take into consideration before signing on the dotted line.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos was right when he cautioned the player from making such a move. The national team boss would rather like to see young Mofokeng playing in either the Netherlands or Belgium.
When it comes to a language barrier, playing in either of those two countries would make more sense for a young South African than Spain. We just have to look at the progress Shandre Campbell has made since moving to Club Brugge. And Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar and Thulani Serero’s development in the Netherlands makes a case for that country.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Mofokeng and his representatives. The road to European success is littered with talent that never quite adapted, but it’s also paved with those who dared to take a leap of faith. If he believes in his ability to rise above the challenges — be it language, culture, or the weight of expectation — then Barcelona could be the perfect stage for him to shine.
After all, football rewards the brave, and Mofokeng has the talent to write his own story. Whether that begins in Spain, Belgium, or the Netherlands, one thing is certain — his next move could define his career.
IOL Sport