It’s safe to say the 2025/26 season has not gone as planned for Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana starlet Relebohile Mofokeng.
At the end of the last campaign, Mofokeng was on a high. He’d had another impressive season for the Sea Robbers, and was busy cementing his place in the national team. And on top of that, a number of clubs in Europe and the United States were keen on his services.
Unfortunately, a move abroad did not materialise for “President yama 2000”, and his form earlier on seemed to take a bit of a knock. He wasn’t the Rele South Africans have come to know and love for the past two seasons.
And when he seemed like he had started to rediscover his best, he got injured. With the Africa Cup of Nations coming next month, many are speculating that Hugo Broos could leave him out completely from the squad for the tournament. Everything has happened while Mohau Nkota, one of his closest friends, has sealed a move abroad, and is thriving in Saudi Arabia.
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South Africans should remember that Mofokeng is still only 21 years old, and is still developing as a footballer. Because of his age, it’s understandable that he will have some struggles with consistency, especially when the spotlight is shining so brightly on him.
Fortunately, Mofokeng seems to be surrounded by people who keep him grounded, who will remind him that things like injuries and loss of form are part and parcel of high level football.
On his day, Mofokeng is still one of the brightest young talents in South Africa, and Broos should select him for Morocco. And if his best form returns and continues to do what he’s been doing, then he will go to the World Cup, where the eyes of the world will be on him.
If he is still desperate to secure a move abroad, North America will be his stage.
If there’s one thing South African football has taught us, it’s that true talent never fades – it just needs time, patience, and the right moment to shine again.
For Mofokeng, this rough patch could just be the chapter that shapes him into the player he’s meant to become. Whether it’s with Pirates, or a club abroad, his journey is far from over – and if he keeps his head up, his next comeback might be his most memorable yet.
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