Maela on why Pirates youngster is not a star just yet

Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela explains why youngster Relebohile Mofokeng is not a star just yet but he is learning.

Maela says the attacking midfielder has a bright future after undergoing a trial in England with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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This also comes as the midfielder is said to have attracted interest from Spanish side Levante FC after his trial with Wolves – could he leave Pirates?

PIRATES SKIPPER MAELA ON YOUNGSTER NOT A STAR JUST YET

Maela was addressing the media, per Sowetan on the hype around the young midfielder, insisting the “humble” wunderkind is not yet the star people are making him out to be.

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The 19-year-old has impressed since making his debut in the DStv Premiership season displaying brilliance in recent months.

“First and foremost Mofokeng is a very humble boy… he’s very grounded. When you talk to him, he listens and he listens to understand,” said Maela.

“So, I think that quality will take him very far. In terms of him being a star, well… he’s far from that, I’ll be honest with you.

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“There’s still a lot of work that he needs to put in. He still has to improve on a lot of things and he acknowledges that.

“Yes, the fans love him but he needs to stay close to reality and focus on his game… and just block all the outside noise.”

PIRATES SKIPPER ON HELPING YOUNGSTER REMAIN HUMBLE

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The Bafana Bafana left-back adds that they are helping the youngster keep his feet on the ground despite the hype.

“We tell him all the time that he must continue to stay grounded and work harder. He just got started now and he mustn’t think he has arrived,” the Pirates skipper adds.

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“If we can fix the matter of being inconsistent, then we will definitely get more wins and it will take us closer to challenging for the league and eventually winning the league.”

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