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.
