Xoki’s Confidence: Embracing Penalty Duties

Orlando Pirates were knocked out of the CAF Champions League last week when they lost 5-4 on penalties to Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy, after the game was tied 1-1 on aggregate. Youngster Relebohile Mofokeng had missed the decisive penalty, but vice captain Tapelo Xoki noted that the 18-year-old will continue to take penalties for the team.

“Penalties are a lottery. It could have happened to anyone but unfortunately it happened to him. Luckily for us straight after the game, yes, the guy was destroyed and feeling emotional but the following day you could see the positive attitude, positive mindset, in the sessions,” said Xoki.

“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 in that spot. So, we just have to encourage him more. There will be pretty much more opportunities for him to take penalties again. And when that chance comes we will make sure he will take them because he is prepared for them,” said Xoki.

Ironically, in Pirates’ next cup game on Saturday, they went into a penalty shootout again. It was against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium where the game was locked at 0-0 after extra time. This time Xoki was the only Pirates player to miss a penalty.

“I have missed penalties before but I don’t shy away from taking them again. We have to make sure that he (Mafokeng) understands that in the next time he doesn’t shy away from responsibilities as he didn’t shy away on Friday. So, we are happy to have a young mindset like that. He is going to be great for the team going forward,” Xoki concluded.

Mafokeng didn’t take a penalty on Saturday. Pirates won the shootout 3-1 as Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga and Deon Kavendji converted from the spot.