Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Lebitso has lifted the lid on the unique psychological edge that separates Relebohile Mofokeng from the average PSL prospect.
While the 20-year-old’s dazzling footwork and match-winning goals have dominated the headlines, Lebitso insists that Mofokeng’s sustained consistency since his breakthrough isn’t just down to raw talent. Instead, the right-back points to a specific, grounded trait that has allowed the youngster to flourish under the intense pressure of the Soweto giants.
Mofokeng has continued to defy the odds at Pirates by maintaining a high level of performance, playing a vital role in the club’s relentless pursuit of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title. His ability to play well under pressure has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ current run, as they push to finally dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns.
Masandawana have held a vice-like grip on South African football, winning the league for eight successive seasons. Pirates, however, are desperate to end that decade-long dominance and secure their first league trophy since 2012.
In this high-stakes title race, Mofokeng has emerged as the protagonist, blending flair with a lethal eye for goal. His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed by the league either; the Bafana Bafana international recently scooped the Player of the Month for March, marking his second consecutive monthly accolade after also dominating the January/February awards.
According to Lebitso, it is this rare combination of elite skill and a willingness to remain a “student of the game” that truly sets the young playmaker apart.
LEBITSO ON MOFOKENG: THE HIDDEN MATURITY DRIVING PIRATES’ TITLE CHARGE
Mofokeng entered the FIFA international break in scintillating form, headlined by a clinical hat-trick in Pirates’ 6-0 demolition of TS Galaxy. That performance bolstered the highly-rated winger’s impressive season tally to eight goals and six assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
Since earning his promotion from the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side in 2023, the 20-year-old has become an indispensable figure for the Buccaneers. His teammate, Lebitso, has lauded the youngster for remaining grounded despite his rapid rise to prominence—a feat that has historically been a stumbling block for many PSL prospects.
According to Lebitso, the fundamental reason the Bafana Bafana starlet continues to deliver “wonders” on the pitch is a level of maturity that most players of his burgeoning status struggle to maintain.
“Firstly, I would say in South Africa most of the time when you see a player like that, after two or three seasons you’d see the difference [in behaviour] because when you are a youngster, obviously people will start to know you,” Lebitso said.
“The whole of South Africa will start to know you, and you become big-headed and stuff, but speaking about Rele, no chance. He’s always humble, always makes sure that he works hard. Looking at the level that he is in, you’d expect him not to listen, but if you tell him something, he will listen; that’s why he’s doing all the wonders that he’s doing.”
RELATED STORY: Orlando Pirates defender ruled out of Mamelodi Sundowns clash