Having started his journey at the renowned Transnet School of Excellence, Relebohile Mofokeng has emerged as one of South Africa’s brightest football talents.
The Sharpeville-born prodigy first caught the eye at the Pirates U21 Cup, where his dominance led Orlando Pirates to quickly sign him.
Since then, Mofokeng has steadily risen through the ranks, representing South Africa at junior national levels before earning a spot in Hugo Broos’ senior Bafana Bafana squad.
Known for his skill, vision, and composure, the young midfielder has become a fan favorite.
At just 20, he has achieved what many only dream of—cementing his place in the Pirates first team while earning plaudits for his contributions.
With the Caf Champions League group stages beckoning, he now has the opportunity to elevate his game on the continental stage.
GOAL takes a closer look at his rise and how his involvement in Africa’s most prestigious club competition could shape his future.
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Bafana Bafana Ambitions
Relebohile Mofokeng made his Bafana Bafana debut at just 19, a testament to his undeniable talent and potential. Hugo Broos, the national team coach, has highlighted Mofokeng’s promise, though he remains cautious about overexposing the youngster. “That’s why I always try to have players like Mofokeng. It’s a little bit too early now to put him from the beginning,” Broos stated as reported by GOAL previously. “Mofokeng is not a powerful player,” he added, hinting at the midfielder’s need for physical growth. Despite this, Mofokeng’s creativity and technical ability have earned him valuable minutes in the national team setup. His ambition is clear—to cement a regular spot in Bafana Bafana and become a key player for South Africa. With his drive and continued exposure to high-level competition, his national team aspirations seem well within reach.
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CAF Champions League Spotlight
Mofokeng’s journey in the Caf Champions League offers a mix of promise and redemption.
Last season, Orlando Pirates suffered an embarrassing exit at the hands of Jwaneng Galaxy, a match in which Mofokeng missed a crucial penalty.
That moment was a harsh lesson, but it has fueled his determination to make amends.
This season, he has already made his mark by scoring in a preliminary round match against Disciples FC.
Now, he prepares for the group stages, where Pirates will face giants like CR Belouizdad and Al Ahly.
For Mofokeng, it’s an opportunity to test himself against Africa’s best and showcase his talent on the biggest stage.
His creativity and composure will be critical in unlocking defenses.
Having already tasted success domestically, a strong continental campaign could solidify his growing reputation.
His first group stage outing will be closely watched, as fans and critics alike expect him to rise to the occasion.
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Backpage
Key Role at Orlando Pirates
Despite his young age, Mofokeng has become a cornerstone of the Pirates midfield.
With over 3,000 minutes of playing time and more than 50 appearances, his contributions have been immense.
He has scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists, showcasing his ability to influence games consistently.
His tactical awareness and vision make him a valuable asset in linking defense and attack.
Under the guidance of coach Jose Riveiro, the 20-year-old has flourished, learning to adapt to different roles within the team.
His performances reflect a maturity beyond his years, earning the trust of both his teammates and coaching staff.
Whether creating chances or scoring vital goals, he has established himself as a player for the present and the future.
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Technical and Tactical Growth
Mofokeng’s one-on-one skills and small physicality make him a standout performer, particularly in the demanding Caf Champions League.
His ability to read the game and make intelligent decisions has significantly improved under Riveiro’s mentorship.
He consistently demonstrates excellent ball control and the capacity to dictate the tempo of matches.
These qualities, combined with his developing tactical awareness, make him a versatile and dangerous player.
As he continues to refine his game, Mofokeng is becoming a more complete midfielder, capable of excelling in various systems and competitions
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Big-Game Potential
Mofokeng has already shown a knack for stepping up in crucial moments.
In the Nedbank Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns, he came off the bench to score the winning goal after just 19 minutes on the field. Similarly, in the MTN8 final, he made an impact with a goal and an assist despite playing only 28 minutes.
These performances underline his ability to deliver when it matters most.
As Pirates embark on their Caf Champions League campaign, his big-game temperament will be invaluable.
His calmness under pressure and flair for dramatic moments make him a vital player in knockout scenarios.
His growing reputation as a clutch performer will only enhance his confidence and value to the team.
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Domestic Success
Mofokeng has been instrumental in Pirates’ recent domestic success.
Coming off the bench, he has often turned games in Pirates’ favor, proving his impact even in limited minutes.
His contributions were pivotal in securing the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup trophies, adding to his growing list of achievements.
These moments have endeared him to the Pirates faithful and showcased his ability to change games.
Mofokeng’s consistent performances in domestic competitions highlight his importance to Pirates as they seek to maintain their dominance.
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Future Prospects
Mofokeng’s talent has not gone unnoticed beyond South Africa’s borders. A trial with English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers has sparked speculation about a potential move abroad. While nothing has materialized yet, his performances suggest it is only a matter of time before he attracts serious interest from European clubs.
A move to an international league would provide him with the platform to develop further and test himself at the highest level.
For now, his focus remains on Pirates and his Caf Champions League campaign.
However, his ambition and potential make him a player destined for global recognition.
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Fan and Coach Trust
Nicknamed “President Yama 2000,” Mofokeng has become a beloved figure among Pirates fans.
Social media is abuzz with calls to protect him from distractions and ensure he fulfills his vast potential.
Coaches and teammates alike have praised his work ethic, humility, and willingness to learn.
His ability to perform under pressure has earned the trust of his managers, including Jose Riveiro and Hugo Broos.
Fans adore his flair, while coaches value his reliability and discipline.
Mofokeng’s connection with the supporters adds to his growing reputation as a player who thrives under the spotlight.
As he continues to excel, he is cementing his place as one of the most exciting talents in South African football.
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LIKE FATHER LIKE SON
Having a father who played football, even in the lower leagues, comes with its own set of bragging rights, and Mofokeng is living proof that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
His dad once scored a jaw-dropping long-range goal in a clash in the Nedbank Cup against AmZulu, a memory etched into family lore.
Fast forward to this season, and Relebohile’s rocket against TS Galaxy bore an uncanny resemblance—same power, same precision, and the same sheer audacity!
It’s almost as if his dad’s footballing spirit passed down directly into his boots.
Watching the two goals side by side feels like a cinematic sequel, with Relebohile starring in the blockbuster his dad never got to make.