Latest news with #RelebohileMofokeng
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pirates star Mofokeng reveals biggest disadvantage
"I think I can improve with a lot of practice,' says Mofokeng. Orlando Pirates forward Relebohile Mofokeng has reflected on which areas of his game he needs to improve next season. The 20-year-old attacker had an amazing 2024 season and was a fan favourite of the Pirates fans because of his trickery and skill. ALSO READ: Ncikazi raises hand for Pirates job as Timm leaves Mofokeng was named Man of the Match in Pirates' final game of the season against Magesi FC at the Orlando Stadium. Speaking after the game, 'Coco melon' revealed the areas he need to improve in the coming season. 'I just need to continue to improve' 'I think I did well this season. So I just need to continue to improve and work hard. So I just need to continue,' said Mofokeng. 'I think a place where I can improve is to score because that's the only thing missing in my game. I can create and assist. But it's only my lack of scoring, but I think I can improve with a lot of practice.' Mofokeng also indicated that fatigue might have played a role in his dip in form towards the end of the season. 'It has been a long season because we have been involved in competitions like the CAF [Champions League] and the Nedbank Cup. We are not used to playing so many games. So I think we did well. We just need to make sure that next season we do better than this season,' commented Mofokeng. Mofokeng made 49 appearances in all competitions for the Buccaneers this past season, scoring 12 goals and making 15 assists. The 20-year-old is set to compete with Lucas Ribeiro of Mamelodi Sundowns for the PSL Footballer the Season and the Players' Player of the Season awards. ALSO READ: Sundowns boss targeting CAF title ahead of Club World Cup The Awards ceremony, which is usually held after the completion of the season, was postponed to allow Sundowns to prepare for next month's FIFA Club World.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Three European leagues suited for Relebohile Mofokeng
Orlando Pirates star player Relebohile Mofokeng has been linked with a move away from the club in the coming weeks. The 20-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists across all competitions this season for the Buccaneers. After two full seasons in the Betway Premiership, Mofokeng has established himself as one of the best players in the league. Many fans have urged Orlando Pirates to allow the youngster to pursue his dream and play in Europe. English Premiership is a league that most soccer players dream of playing in but for Releboheng Mofokeng, that dream could be a reality soon. The Bucs starlet underwent a trial period with the English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023. Although he was not successful, Mofokeng has since improved as a player and managed to earn a handful of caps for Bafana Bafana. Mofokeng will be more sorted in three big leagues: La Liga, Ligue 1 and the Belgian Pro League. The Pirates youngster might be tempted to move to England, but the league emphasises more on physicality and tactical aspects. Physical prowess is important in the EPL and Mofokeng lacks that. La Liga focuses more on football intelligence, precision, and creativity, which suits the Pirates star more. He will flourish at clubs like Villareal, Celta Vigo and Valencia. Another league which will bring the best out of Mofokeng is the French Ligue 1. It might not be as competitive as La Liga but it will no doubt improve his game. Relebohile Mofokeng should perhaps look at joining the Belgian Pro League as a stepping stone to the EPL. This is what worked for his Bafana teammate Percy Tau. The 'Lion of Judah' excelled in the league before Brighton and Hove Albion recalled him. Mofokeng can do well for either Club Brugge or Union Saint-Gilloise. At 20, he still has time to improve and move to bigger teams. He needs to start at a club that will allow him to play with freedom. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfers: Mofokeng, Matuludi, Makhaula
Today's Orlando Pirates transfer wrap looks at the latest on Relebohile Mofokeng and the club's pursuit of Thabang Matuludi. According to Soccer-Laduma , Orlando Pirates will soon seal a deal for Polokwane City right-back Thabang Matuludi. 'Yes, it's believed that Orlando Pirates are close to signing Thabang Matuludi so the way things are, the two Soweto giants could get a player each from Polokwane City at the start of next season,' said a source to the same publication. Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Mbokazi, Letlapa; Mbatha, Makhaula; Appollis, Nkota, Mofokeng; Mabasa. The evergreen 35-year-old Makhehlene Makhaula is certainly still effective and good enough for at least another season at the top level. Pirates might invest in their midfield, but any new arrivals would need to work hard to dislodge the outstanding hard man in the centre of the park. This projected XI also presupposes that Pirates might accept a big-money offer for Patrick Maswanganyi if it arrives. That would see Relebohile Mofokeng more often utilised in the number 10 role. A return to action for the outstanding central defender Thabiso Sesane would also be a massive bonus. Letlapa headlines a list of names linked with Pirates Makhehlene Makhaula trains in the rain at the Rands Stadium. Image: @orlandopirates/X There are many Relebohile Mofokeng admirers in Mzansi. Arthur Zwane is certainly one of them! Click for the story Will Pirates strengthen sufficiently to win next season's title? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Zwane says Orlando Pirates star is the best in SA
Orlando Pirates superstar Relebohile Mofokeng will be flashing that big smile of his after reading this post. As far as the balance of votes, Mamelodi Sundowns superstar Lucas Ribeiro still has a slight edge over Mofokeng. According to AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane, Mofokeng has been very special for carrying a big club like Orlando Pirates at the age of 20. The Sharpville-born player, who joined the Sea Robbers at the age of 17 from the School of Excellence, grabbed 12 goals and laid 14 assists in 47 matches. 'I don't want to sound controversial, but I think you look at Rele – I think he carried Orlando Pirates,' Zwane said via iDiski Times . Relebohile Mofokeng in action for Orlando Pirates against Cape Town City FC at the DHL Stadium. Image: @safootclassics/X 'But Rele as a youngster doing what he's done this past season, carrying a giant on his shoulder, I think it was something else, it was amazing. 'We need players like him, so others see him performing at this level. And now he's definitely going to go to the World Cup – I don't want people to say I'm picking him; I'm not the national coach. But looking at how coach Broos does, and he integrated to the senior national team,' Zwane added on the Orlando Pirates attacker. 'For him it was a big jump because he never played for the U20, maybe the previous players, but because he's an exceptional talent. There is no doubt about he's gonna make AFCON and the World Cup. 'Also, credit must be given to their coaches – all those coaches from School of Excellence, Orlando Pirates, Jose [Riveiro], Duku Duku Makhanya, who spotted the talent and made life easy for the first team as well to get players promoted,' Zwane added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Zwane lauds Mofokeng's impact despite Ribeiro's likely Footballer of the Season win
Orlando Pirates' Relebohile Mofokeng should be considered amongst the favourites to win the PSL Player of the Season award. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane believes Lucas Ribeiro's impressive numbers make him the obvious favourite for the PSL Footballer of the Season award — but it's Orlando Pirates teenager Relebohile Mofokeng who has left the biggest impression on him. Mofokeng has quietly become the engine behind the Buccaneers' season, registering 12 goals and 14 assists in 47 matches across all competitions. While Ribeiro's 20 goals and 13 assists helped steer Mamelodi Sundowns to a record-extending league title, Zwane feels Mofokeng's influence at Pirates deserves greater recognition — particularly considering his age and the responsibility he's carried. 'I don't want to sound controversial but I think Rele has carried Orlando Pirates this season,' Zwane said. 'You look at Ribeiro, obviously Sundowns won the league so it's obviously Ribeiro. But as a youngster and looking at what Rele has done by carrying a team the size of Pirates was something else.' 5' - Relebohile Mofokeng's two goals within the opening five minutes represent the quickest league brace by an Orlando Pirates player in PSL history. Fast. — OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) March 16, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Mofokeng's rise has coincided with a turbulent campaign for Pirates, who were initially in contention for a domestic treble and a continental title under José Riveiro, before falling short in all but one competition — the MTN8. Still, Mofokeng's stock has only risen. He played with composure and flair in some of the season's biggest fixtures — including the Soweto Derby and CAF Champions League knockout ties — often being the player to drive momentum in attack. 'It was amazing to watch and we need players like him so his peers are able to see him performing at that level and now he's definitely going to the World Cup,' Zwane continued. 'I'm not picking him (for Bafana) but looking at how coach Broos does things and how he's integrated him, there's no doubt from me that he's gonna make the AFCON squad and the World Cup squad.' Zwane's comments come at a time when many have questioned Pirates' over-reliance on youth this season. However, Mofokeng has consistently responded with maturity and quality — earning plaudits from opposition coaches and neutrals alike. When Saleng has a great season supported by award went the other way but now we are told about Ribeiro's stats as the decider. Relebohile Mofokeng is the 2024-25 Footballer of the other one can win the top goal scorer award! — Sandile (@MsandraSandza) May 23, 2025
