Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng has emphasised the importance of schools football, having been a beneficiary of the same.
The Sharpeville-born winger started his journey at SAFA-Transnet School of Excellence, where he was scouted by Pirates, and it was not long before the Buccaneers snapped him up, joining their youth setup ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Rele made an immediate impact in the DStv Diski Challenge and just months after his debut in the PSL Reserve League, he was promoted to the senior team at the back end of the 2022-23 season.
The 20-year-old made his senior team debut on May 3, 2023, playing 90 minutes in a PSL match against Royal AM, with his second game coming 17 days later, when he also scored his debut goal in the league, as Pirates beat AmaZulu 4-0.
Mofokeng has received new wheels
He has not looked back since, winning three trophies already, and has been vital in Pirates’ chase for the PSL title as well as their journey to the CAF Champions League quarter-final with eight goals and 11 assists in 29 matches so far this season.
“It’s part of development because they [School of Excellence] help you to be strong mentally and physically,” Mofokeng told SABC.
“I think it helps in many ways because development is the most important part of growing. So, they helped in many ways.”
Mofokeng was speaking after receiving a new car, a VW Polo Vivo, a reward for being crowned the Gauteng Sport Awards Personality of the Year in November 2024.
“I want to thank everyone who voted for me because now I have to continue working hard as I was doing so I cannot disappoint them,” he added.
What is Rele’s advice to SA youngsters?
“This thing will motivate me to continue working hard. So, they must expect more.”
Having tasted the benefits of the initiative, Mofokeng has given a word of advice to other budding South African footballers.
“I don’t have many words to say, but I can tell them to push and not give up,” said Mofokeng.
“They must continue to work hard, they will get to where they want to be. Age doesn’t matter, some people started playing in the PSL when they were 26. They mustn’t stop working until they get what they want.”
Mofokeng’s rise to prominence has seen him linked with moves abroad with Spanish giants Barcelona reportedly among clubs that have been impressed with his talents.
