Relebohile Mofokeng

Relebohile Mofokeng has rapidly become one of the most exciting young footballers to emerge from South Africa, rising from the streets of Sharpeville to the international stage.

Born on 23 October 2004 in Sharpeville, Gauteng, Mofokeng is a right-footed attacking midfielder and winger. He stands around 1.68–1.70m tall and is known for his close control, creativity, quick feet and ability to take on defenders.

Early life and football journey

Mofokeng's path to professional football began at a young age. At just 13, he left his family to attend a football-focused boarding school, a difficult decision that meant spending much of his adolescence away from home. His mother later described the sacrifice as one made to give her son a better future.

His talent eventually caught the attention of Orlando Pirates, where he progressed through the club's development structures.

Orlando Pirates breakthrough

Mofokeng made his senior breakthrough under Spanish coach José Riveiro. After impressing in the Pirates' youth setup, he made his first-team debut at just 18 years old in 2023.

He quickly showed that he was more than just a promising youngster. His ability to operate between the lines, beat defenders and create opportunities made him an increasingly important part of the Pirates team.

One of his early defining moments came in the 2023/24 season, when he scored the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns — a spectacular long-range strike that announced him as one of the country's emerging stars.

Rise to stardom

Mofokeng continued developing into one of Pirates' key attacking players. His performances in domestic football and continental competition attracted growing attention, with European clubs beginning to monitor his progress.

His breakthrough season reached another level in 2025/26, when he helped Orlando Pirates win the Betway Premiership. He finished the league campaign with 10 goals and eight assists, underlining his growing influence in the final third.

Bafana Bafana

His club form earned him a place in the Bafana Bafana setup.

Mofokeng made his senior international debut in 2024, and by 2025–26 he had established himself as one of the young players expected to play an increasingly important role for South Africa.

His creativity and ability to play as either a winger or attacking midfielder have made him an intriguing option for national-team coach Hugo Broos.

Move to Europe

After his impressive spell with Pirates, Mofokeng took the next major step in his career in 2026, joining Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The move, completed in July 2026, saw him leave South Africa for the first time as a senior professional. He signed a contract running until June 2030, giving him an opportunity to develop in European football.

Playing style

Mofokeng is particularly dangerous when receiving the ball in attacking areas. He combines close control, acceleration, vision and creativity, while his ability to play on either wing or through the middle gives coaches tactical flexibility.

Former Pirates coach Riveiro has described him as an exceptionally special player, highlighting his intelligence, creativity and ability to execute quickly with the ball.

Relebohile Mofokeng — quick facts

• Full name: Relebohile Mofokeng
• Born: 23 October 2004
• Birthplace: Sharpeville, Gauteng
• Nationality: South African
• Position: Winger / attacking midfielder
• Preferred foot: Right
• Height: Approximately 1.68–1.70m
• Former club: Orlando Pirates
• Current club: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
• Bafana Bafana: South Africa international
• Major achievement: 2025/26 Betway Premiership champion
• Known for: Dribbling, creativity, pace and attacking intelligence

At just 21, Mofokeng has already gone from a promising youngster in Sharpeville to an Orlando Pirates star and European-based Bafana Bafana international. His next challenge is to establish himself in Belgium and fulfil the enormous potential that has made him one of South Africa's most closely watched young footballers.