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World Cup stage set for Mofokeng breakout

Relebohile Mofokeng is a 21-year-old attacking midfielder and winger from Sharpeville who enters the World Cup as one of South Africa’s brightest young talents and a strong candidate for a future move abroad from Orlando Pirates.

Fresh off a Premiership title with Pirates, the club where he developed through the youth ranks, Mofokeng has become a key figure in a side challenging Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance. Several of his former youth teammates have already secured moves overseas, and he is widely expected to follow suit.

Watch: Are Bafana Bafana ready for the World Cup?

According to ESPN, his football education began at the SAFA School of Excellence, an institution that has produced several former Bafana Bafana players. Despite recent instability in South Africa’s youth development structures, Mofokeng emerged as one of the standout products.

Football runs in the family, with his father, Sechaba Mofokeng, having played the game at a lower level.

His rise was further shaped by a key youth pathway deal that saw him join Orlando Pirates ahead of the 2022–23 season, while fellow prospect Siyabonga Mabena moved to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Known locally as “President yama2k”, Mofokeng has built a reputation that far exceeds his age. He already has senior international tournament experience, an AFCON appearance, and a domestic league title that ended a long wait for Orlando Pirates.

ALSO: Broos banking on Sundowns core at World Cup

Attention now turns to the World Cup, where a strong showing could accelerate his long-anticipated move overseas.

Mofokeng has previously hinted that he is open to leaving South Africa, saying opportunities abroad would be welcome and important for his development.

His coach Hugo Broos has also suggested that transfer speculation briefly affected his form, although he responded strongly in the second half of the season to finish on a high.

With momentum on his side, Mofokeng’s performances at the World Cup could be the final push toward a move abroad.

FULL STORY…

Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images

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