In the 2023/24 season, Orlando Pirates’ prodigy Relebohile Mofokeng turned heads with his exceptional performances.
The young talent’s impressive play earned him the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season and the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament awards.
As a graduate of the School of Excellence, Mofokeng made 40 appearances for the Pirates, scoring six goals and providing seven assists.
Mofokeng’s standout performances did not go unnoticed.
In March, he received his first call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The 19-year-old made his debut against Zimbabwe, stepping onto the field as a substitute in a packed Free State Stadium.
TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi couldn’t hold back his admiration for Mofokeng.
Sukazi compared the young star’s talent to that of Lamine Yamal, a rising star at Barcelona and part of the Spain squad that won the 2024 Euros.
Sukazi emphasized that South African players, like Mofokeng, are naturally talented and often develop their skills without formal training from a young age.
Sukazi pointed out that while Yamal had a phenomenal season with Barcelona, playing 50 matches, scoring seven goals, and providing 10 assists, Mofokeng’s abilities are on par, if not superior.
Sukazi highlighted the difference in playing styles between La Liga and the South African league, noting that the faster pace of the local league showcases Mofokeng’s ability to navigate and decide matches at such a young age.
Sukazi stressed the importance of protecting and nurturing talents like Mofokeng and Yamal with qualified coaching.
He firmly believes that with the right guidance, Mofokeng can continue to shine and reach even greater heights.
Is Mofokeng Ready for Bafana?
As Mofokeng’s star continues to rise, discussions are ongoing about his readiness to consistently perform for the national team.
The young talent’s future looks promising, and with the right support, he could become a key player for Bafana Bafana.