Pirates skipper: How we helped youngster after penalty miss
Orlando Pirates skipper Tapelo Xoki opens up on how they helped youngster Relebohile Mofokeng after missing a penalty.
Orlando Pirates skipper Tapelo Xoki reveals how they helped youngster Relebohile Mofokeng after missing a penalty against Jwaneng Galaxy last week.
Mofokeng was brave enough to take the final spot kick in their CAF Champions League clash against Galaxy but he missed and Pirates crashed out of the tournament.
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Ahead of the MTN8 final between Pirates and Sundowns, Xoki says the 18-year-old midfielder received support from senior players.
PIRATES SKIPPER ON HELPING YOUNGSTER AFTER PENALTY MISS
“Lucky for us, straight after the game, yes, the guy was distraught and feeling emotional, but the following day, we could see the positives, the positive attitude, mindset,” Xoki told Sunday World.
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“And in the [training] sessions, he was also positive, so already that’s a plus for us. We don’t have to do much to lift him up because he has already lifted himself up.
“We just now must encourage him more. There will be plenty more opportunities for him to take penalties again, and when the chance comes, he will take them because he is prepared for them.”
XOKI ON HELPING YOUNGSTER TO TAKE PENALTIES IN THE FINAL
With the sold-out final facing the possibility of heading to penalty shoot-outs, Xoki shares advice if Mofokeng will take them in the future.
“I have missed penalties myself, and I don’t shy away from taking them,” he added.
“We must ensure that he understands that so that next time he doesn’t shy away from responsibility, as he did not on Friday.
“So, we are happy to have a young mindset like that, it is going to be great for the team going forward.”
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There’s no doubt that Jose Riveiro and his troops are under pressure heading to Moses Mabhida Stadium as they have lost four of their previous matches in all competitions.
As the reigning Wafa Wafa title holders, the Soweto giants will go to the eagerly anticipated match looking to stop the firing Sundowns and retain their trophy.