Orlando Pirates defender and vice-captain Thapelo Xoki has shed some light on how senior players lifted the spirit of teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng after a penalty miss.
Mofokeng, 18, showed his bravery and took responsibility ahead of experienced players to take a crucial penalty against Jwaneng Galaxy, which he unfortunately missed and led to Bucs crashing out of the Caf Champions League competition last week Friday.
Xoki, who comfortably converted his penalty kick on the day, said the senior players surprisingly did not have much to do in motivating Mofokeng, as he had already gotten over the situation in a positive way.
“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.
“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.”
With the preparations for the MTN8 final currently underway and the game likely to go on penalties, Xoki said the teenager must not shy away from taking responsibility.
“I have missed penalties myself, and I don’t shy away from taking them,” he declared.
“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.”
Having lost their four previous encounters, the Sea Robbers will be desperate to get back to winning ways by defending their MTN8 title, but standing in their way is the undefeated Mamelodi Sundowns.
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