Orlando Pirates have disclosed what they say is a year-long secret about Relebohile Mofokeng who recently joined Belgian Jupiler Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
The Sharpeville-born midfielder finally made a breakthrough after being largely tipped for a move to Europe in recent seasons. The transfer to Belgium came after he underwent trials at then-English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in late 2023.
Having played PSL football with Pirates for the past four seasons, the 21-year-old was now ripe for a major leap in his professional career. He is now at Percy Tau’s former club, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise who will be participating in the UEFA Champions League group nstage qualifiers in August.
Should they make it to the group phase, that would be a huge stride in Mofokeng’s career, but something expected after a decent outing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana.
WHAT WAS RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S SECRET BEFORE COMPLETING BELGIUM MOVE? PIRATES REVEAL
Pirates have revealed that Mofokeng could have moved to Europe in 2025, but the player opted to stay for another season in the Betway Premiership. The 21-year-old’s decision repead silverware as he inspired the Buccaneers to a treble after they won the MTN8, the Carling Knockout, before ending a 14-year PSL title trophy drought.
“And then there is the thing we must not forget. The thing that reveals, more than any goal or assist, exactly who this young man is and today Orlando Pirates FC can reveal the secret,” Pirates disclosed in a tribute piece to the player nicknamed ‘President yama 2k’.
“Relebohile could have left last year. The interest was there. The door was open. But what did he do? He chose to stay – not for money, not for comfort, but because he wanted to win the league for this club and for its supporters.
“In his own words: ‘Chairman, I am not worried about overseas now. I want to give it my all this season and try win this league for the club. This is my only focus right now. If overseas happens after that, then good but for now, let me do all I can to make the supporters happy.’
“He made a promise, quietly, the way honest people do. And he kept it. Europe will take a little while to catch up. A few matches, maybe less.
“And then the world will know what Mzansi has known since 2022, that Relebohile Mofokeng is something that comes along once in a generation, if you are lucky. If you are very lucky.”
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