Orlando Pirates DStv Diski Challenge coach Joseph Makhanya has weighed in on Relebohile Mofokeng’s potential European move amid reports linking the Soweto giants starlet to FC Barcelona and Rangers FC.
It seems Mofokeng’s meteoric rise continues to capture international attention. Following a trial at English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Pirates sensation has emerged as a sought-after talent on the European stage.
Recent reports have indicated that Mofokeng is attracting interest from several clubs, including Spanish giants Barcelona, Scottish powerhouse Rangers FC, and Austrian Bundesliga side RB Salzburg.
It is said that Barcelona’s B-team is keen on the 20-year-old attacker, with coaches closely monitoring Mofokeng’s performances in the PSL.
Since his promotion to the Soweto giants’ first team, Relebohile Mofokeng has quickly become a key player for the club and Bafana Bafana.
His exceptional performances earned him individual accolades at the end of the 2023/24 season, where he was named both the Premiership Young Player of the Season and the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament.
In just 17 games this season, Mofokeng has already amassed an impressive tally of four goals and seven assists. He played a vital role in Pirates’ successful defence of the MTN8 title earlier in the campaign.
He was also part of the Bafana Bafana squad that recently qualified for the 2025 AFCON, set to take place in Morocco.
The Pirates legend worked closely with Mofokeng and Nkota in the Diski Challenge, helping them rise to prominence.
Nkota has also shone at Pirates, scoring four goals in eight appearances across all competitions. Notably, the 20-year-old scored a brace last Tuesday in the club’s 2-1 victory over Algerian side CR Belouizdad in their CAF Champions League group stage opener.
JOSEPH MAKHANYA BACKS MOFOKENG AND NKOTA FOR EUROPE
“What I can say is that there has never been a time to say someone is ready or not for a big move to Europe. It has to happen so that we can see if they are ready,” said Makhanya. “But I think the team will make the right call for them because that’s what we wish to see for them as coaches from the development side.
“We want to see him [Mofokeng] succeed and fulfil his dreams of playing abroad, which is something we didn’t do while playing, to play in Europe. Now I would want a player I have coached to play for a big team like Barcelona, maybe Rangers in Scotland as the rumours say.
“But also for the team [Pirates], it has to make business sense. The move must ensure the player makes progress, and once the player progresses, it means the nation also gets to benefit.
“If we are to have many players abroad, it will help the national team. We have seen the likes of Benni McCarthy, he has gone on to make it at the highest level, which is something we want for our players. I feel that if there’s an opportunity for a move to happen at an earlier stage, why not? We wish to see the boys play overseas so we can get to compete against the best in the world as well.”
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