Phumudzo Manenzhe, a retired footballer and football analyst, has shared his thoughts on Relebohile Mofokeng’s performance when he was deployed in an unfamiliar number 10 role during Orlando Pirates’ 1-1 draw against Al Ahly. The match saw Pirates battle to secure a point without the services of Patrick Maswanganyi, who was unavailable due to injury or tactical reasons.
Mofokeng, who typically plays a more defensive or wide role, was tasked with filling the shoes of the creative playmaker in the central attacking midfield position. Manenzhe acknowledged that while the 22-year-old showed effort and commitment, the transition to a more advanced role presented challenges.
Manenzhe emphasized that Mofokeng’s natural abilities were visible, but he struggled to influence the game as a traditional number 10. The analyst noted that he was often forced to drop deeper into the midfield, which affected his ability to unlock Al Ahly’s defense. Despite this, Manenzhe commended the young player’s work rate and adaptability but suggested that Orlando Pirates may need to reassess their approach to the number 10 role in future matches, especially if Maswanganyi continues to be unavailable.
This game highlighted the depth of Pirates’ squad and the need for tactical flexibility, with Manenzhe remarking that Mofokeng will need more time and experience to fully adapt to the creative demands of the position. The match ended in a draw, with both teams failing to capitalize on their opportunities, but Mofokeng’s performance remains a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
