Replacing a generational talent like Rele Mofokeng is arguably the biggest tactical puzzle facing Orlando Pirates ahead of the new campaign, but club icon Tso Vilakazi has explained why the solution lies in a direct move for Emile Witbooi.
Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Rele Mofokeng left Pirates to sign with Belgian outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The blockbuster move comes on the heels of his stellar performances during Bafana Bafana’s historic run to the World Cup Round of 32, capping off a sensational domestic campaign where he was arguably the Buccaneers’ best player. The 21-year-old attacker is now widely tipped to be crowned the 2025/26 PSL Footballer of the Season.
While currently in Spain leading the Buccaneers’ intensive pre-season camp, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is searching for Mofokeng’s replacement. FARPost understands that Cape Town City FC midfielder Emile Witbooi is a top transfer target to fill that void.
However, as this publication recently reported, a R18.6 million price tag has emerged as a major stumbling block for Pirates. Despite his youth, the 17-year-old has already tasted Betway Premiership football before CT City were relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Now preparing for his third season as a professional, the starlet remains high on the Sea Robbers’ wishlist. Amid the raging debate over whether the teenager is ready to step into Mofokeng’s shoes, club legend Tso Vilakazi has weighed in with his expert verdict.
Ouaddou has so far signed left-backs Neo Rapoo and Aphiwe Baliti as well as midfielders Matome Mmolai and Mthetheleli Mthiyane, plus attackers Ghampani Lungu and Bohlale Ngwato ahead of the new 2026/27 season.
VILAKAZI BOLD IN STATING RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG IS IRREPLACEABLE AMID WITBOOI PIRATES LINKS
“Yes, it’s going to be difficult to replace him [Mofokeng]. It’s not easy when you lose a player like Rele and now try to replace him,” Vilakazi told FARPost. “Finding a replacement for him won’t be easy. When we talk about Rele, we are talking about a special player, a one-of-a-kind player.
“But one player who comes to my mind when we talk about Rele’s replacement is the son of [Bradley] Ralani. Witbooi is the only boy who I think can make a difference. He won’t replace Rele, but he would be a special signing and could come close to Rele’s level. Rele is a once-in-a-generation player. It’s not every day that such players are discovered.
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Vilakazi feels no other local team fits Witbooi like Pirates. The all-time Buccaneers top scorer says the teenage sensation will only grow to realise his potential by joining The Ghost.
“One thing in football is that the growth of a player depends on the environment you are in. It’s up to the environment in everything. You can be good, but if the environment is not good, you won’t grow as a player,” Vilakazi, who was nicknamed ‘The Little Napoleon’ during his playing days, went on.
“If Witbooi can come to Pirates, he can be in a good position to grow, like how you saw how Rele grew and the likes of [Mohau] Nkota and [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi became star players.
“Pirates will give him the perfect place. If he goes there, he will become a big player and a household name in South African football.”
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