Joseph Makhanya admits he would relish the chance to see Relebohile Mofokeng turn out for Spanish giants Barcelona.
The 20-year-old winger is a reported target for the club’s reserve team having impressed during his time at the Buccaneers.
Makhanya joined Pirates from the Transnet School of Excellent in 2022 and made his senior debut at the end of his first season after impressing with the DStv Diski Challenge side.
He has gone on to play 57 times, scoring 10 goals and creating 14 to further raise his profile internationally.
Makhanya has also been linked with a move to Scottish side Rangers, following a previous trial at English Premier League side Wolves.
Pirates’ DDC coach Makhanya said moving abroad can only be good for Mofokeng.
“What I can say is that there has never been a time to say someone is ready or not for a big move to Europe,” he said on FARPost: “It has to happen so that we can see if they are ready. But I think the team will make the right call for them because that’s what we wish to see for them as coaches from the development side.
“We want to see him [Mofokeng] succeed and fulfil his dreams of playing abroad, which is something we didn’t do while playing, to play in Europe. Now I would want a player I have coached to play for a big team like Barcelona, maybe Rangers in Scotland as the rumours say.
“But also for the team [Pirates], it has to make business sense. The move must ensure the player makes progress, and once the player progresses, it means the nation also gets to benefit.
“If we are to have many players abroad, it will help the national team.
“We have seen the likes of Benni McCarthy, he has gone on to make it at the highest level, which is something we want for our players. I feel that if there’s an opportunity for a move to happen at an earlier stage, why not? We wish to see the boys play overseas so we can get to compete against the best in the world as well.”