Orlando Pirates DStv Diski Challenge coach Joseph Makhanya expressed immense pride in seeing two young academy products, Mohau Nkota, and Relebohile Mofokeng, shine on the big stage of the CAF Champions League last week.

The duo played a pivotal role in Pirates’ 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad in Algeria last week. Mofokeng provided the assist for both of Nkota’s goals, showcasing their talent and potential.

Makhanya acknowledged the significance of this achievement: “It was a proud moment two weeks ago when Pirates played in the Champions League and I saw Nkota playing and Rele starting the match. Scoring a brace in the Champions League is something we should be proud of.”

Another young talent on the rise at Pirates is Jabulani Mokone, a promising right-back. However, competition for places in the senior team, with players like Thabiso Monyane, Deano Van Rooyen, and Bandile Shandu, has limited his opportunities.

Makhanya believes that Mokone’s height might be a disadvantage when defending aerial balls at the highest level. He suggested that exploring a more offensive role for Mokone could better suit his abilities:

“One thing I can say, our paths are not the same,” said Makhanya on Mokone, who was promoted last season by Pirates.  

“We are trying to make sure a bit of change in position to check the position that he plays. He plays as a right back and when you go to the highest level, it means he becomes that player that you know you don’t want to be a liability in defending, especially aerial balls because at the highest level, they attack you from all angles with different dimension. 

“So, it is something we have to look at and make sure that at least we try to convert him into an offensive position that won’t require him to be more of a defensive structure where you find him being bombarded with those aerial balls because at the highest level because the other clubs might take full advantage of his deficiencies. 
“So, we know the height is his main problem because if you were to check the size if he is a player that plays higher up, he can be a player that plays better.”

Despite these challenges, Makhanya remains optimistic about Mokone’s future and his potential to contribute to Pirates’ success.

“We are coaches that work with him. If we are to check him, whenever he sees the game from the back to forward, he is a better player,” said Makhanya.

“But you worry when the team is under attack so that is what we are wary of. But in terms of being a player, he is a great player. He is also a great player to work with and a great prospect for South African football.”