Relebohile Mofokeng has rapidly evolved from a promising reserve team talent into one of the most dangerous attackers in South African football. The Orlando Pirates winger is celebrated for his audacious dribbling and big-match temperament, famously sealing the 2024 Nedbank Cup with a last-minute winner against Mamelodi Sundowns. His trajectory suggests a future that extends far beyond the borders of the PSL.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Relebohile Mofokeng |
| Nationality | South African |
| Date of Birth | 23 October 2004 |
| Latest club | Orlando Pirates |
| Shirt number | 38 |
| Position | Left Winger |
| Market value | 2,00 mil. € |
Electric playing style
Mofokeng operates with a “Kasi” flair that combines entertainment with ruthless efficiency in the final third.
- 🪄 Dribbling wizardry: He possesses quick feet and close control, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and leave defenders off-balance.
- 🧠 Football intelligence: Despite his age, he shows maturity in decision-making, knowing exactly when to release the ball or take on a shot.
- ⚡ Acceleration: His burst of speed from a standing start makes him a nightmare to mark in one-on-one situations out wide.
- 🎯 Clutch finishing: He has developed a knack for scoring decisive goals in high-pressure moments, often cutting in from the left flank.
Career journey
From the disciplined environment of the School of Excellence to the roar of the Orlando Stadium, Mofokeng’s rise has been seamless. His ability to adapt to the demands of professional football at a teenage age has set him apart as a generational talent.
From School of Excellence to Soweto
Mofokeng honed his technical skills at the prestigious Transnet School of Excellence, a celebrated academy known for producing technically gifted South African players. His immense potential was spotted early. Orlando Pirates recruited him for their development structures, where he immediately starred in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC). Playing initially under the surname Ratomo, his performances for the reserves were so dominant that the first-team technical team could not ignore him.
He was promoted to the senior squad towards the end of the 2022/23 season. He made an instant impact upon debut. In his first start against Royal AM in May 2023, his shot forced an own goal, and he followed it up with a goal and an assist against AmaZulu shortly after. This rapid transition from academy prospect to first-team starter signaled the arrival of a special talent in the Premiership.
Becoming a Pirates hero
The 2023/24 campaign was Mofokeng’s true breakout season, where he cemented his place in Jose Riveiro’s starting lineup. He became a creative hub for the Buccaneers. forming a dynamic attacking partnership with teammate Patrick Maswanganyi. His ability to unlock deep defensive blocks proved vital for Pirates as they chased cup glory and league consistency.
His crowning moment arrived in the 2024 Nedbank Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Mofokeng produced a moment of magic in stoppage time. With the game seemingly heading for extra time, he skillfully rolled his marker and finished calmly to secure back-to-back titles for Pirates. That goal not only won the trophy but also solidified his status as a player who thrives on the biggest stages.
| Team (Appea.) | G/A/YC/RC |
|---|---|
| Orlando Pirates (Total) | 60/15/2/0 |
| 2023/24 Season | 38/5/1/0 |
International tournaments
Mofokeng’s club form earned him a call-up to the senior national team, bypassing several youth levels to join Hugo Broo’s squad. He made his Bafana Bafana debut in June 2024. The winger featured in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium, replacing Oswin Appollis to rapturous applause from the home crowd.
While still in the early stages of his international career, he is viewed as a future linchpin for the national side. His flair offers Bafana a different dimension in attack. Although he missed the initial AFCON 2023 squad, his integration into the World Cup qualification setup suggests he will be a key figure for South Africa in upcoming major tournaments.
| Competition (Stage) | MP (Goal) |
|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifiers (Group) | 2 (0) |
Clubs journey
Relebohile Mofokeng has played his entire professional career at Orlando Pirates. He represents the club’s commitment to youth development. After graduating from the DDC team, he signed a long-term professional contract, ensuring his immediate future remains with the Soweto giants despite growing interest from overseas.
His loyalty and rapid progress have made him a fan favorite at Orlando Stadium. The club has managed his minutes carefully. By gradually increasing his responsibility, Pirates have nurtured him into a regular starter without burning him out, a strategy that has paid dividends with silverware.
| Years | Club |
|---|---|
| 2023–Present | Orlando Pirates |