Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng has frequently been compared to Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala.
Both players started their careers in their clubs’ development teams before being promoted to the senior squads. Now at 21, they have each played three seasons for their respective teams and often deliver moments of magic to clinch results.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has been impressed with both players, leading to their selection for the national team. Mofokeng has participated in several matches and is among the 25 players chosen to represent South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Shabalala is on standby.
Both players excel as attackers but have different roles within their teams. Mofokeng primarily plays as a winger, favouring the left side where he can cut in. Recently, he has been shifted to a more central position, achieving some success, but his preferred position remains on the left wing.
On the other hand, Shabalala plays as an attacking midfielder and is most comfortable in the number 10 role, operating behind the main striker. He can also play as an “eight” or in wide positions, but he is less effective outside of his preferred role.
What makes Rele Mofokeng better than Mdu Shabalala
When it comes to performance, Mofokeng, known as ‘President yama 2000,’ clearly stands out as the best 21-year-old in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Since his debut at 18, he has dazzled the league, winning seven trophies and scoring in three different finals for Orlando Pirates.
For the national team, Mofokeng has made several appearances and is definitely a player to watch in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
While Shabalala has been Kaizer Chiefs’ top attacker in recent years, his lack of consistency has been a significant drawback. When he’s in form, he is one of the league’s best, but when he’s off his game, he tends to blend into the background.
Mofokeng is often capable of scoring crucial goals, and unlike Shabalala, he can still make decisive passes or score, even when not performing at his best. While Shabalala is a better playmaker, Mofokeng’s superior finishing, decision-making, and match temperament place him ahead of Shabalala.