Mofokeng scores on Europa League debut and responds, “It is not easy”
Relebohile Mofokeng opened his European account on Thursday night. Then he shut down the idea that the step up is simple.
The 21-year-old Bafana Bafana star scored the first goal as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise beat Viktoria Plzeň 3-0. He shook off a defender, went one-on-one with the keeper and finished splendidly.
Union never looked back. After the match he refused to make it a personal story.
“Yeah, what a special game. First game, European game, and a win I think is very good for our club and our reputation,” said Mofokeng.
“We are just sending a message that we came here to work, and that we came here to do what needed to be done.
“The fighting spirit is in our blood now. We came here to win and take the three points. We go into every game with that mindset.”
The goal was planned as much as it was instinct. Plzeň sat high. Mofokeng waited for the space.
“We knew from the start that if they play high, there will be space behind them,” he added.
“I think I knew already that there would be space behind them. It was a matter of the right pass and we used that space well and that is why we scored the three goals — we did very well.”
Asked if European football is easier for him now, he didn’t bite.
“No. It is not easy. It is difficult but we keep on going. I keep pushing myself every day at training.
“I think I am the one that is going to make it easy by working hard at training every day.”
