From the GDL to the Derby

In the biggest derby in South African football, Orlando Pirates versus Kaizer Chiefs, former School of Excellence pupil Relebohile Mofokeng was given an earlier than expected introduction to the cauldron of the fiery rivalry on Saturday.

With only 16 minutes of their massive Premier Soccer League (PSL) showdown played, he was called on to replace the injured Kermit Erasmus.

Mofokeng, a crowd favourite, didn’t disappoint, playing until the final whistle and producing some classy touches, which left the Buccaneers’ fans wanting more.

Displaying nimble feet and making quick passes, he caught the eye, and he almost caught out Itumeleng Khune with a shot that the Chiefs’ goalkeeper stopped from going in with a fingertip save.

Mofokeng, who turned 19 on 23 October, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the professional ranks. Just months after making his debut for Pirates in the DStv Diski Challenge, he has made the step up to the PSL.

The Sharpeville-born forward is a product of the SAFA-Transnet School of Excellence, where he was scouted by the Buccaneers ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Although he is now making his mark for the Sea Robbers in the senior ranks, Mofokeng has aspirations of taking his talents abroad.

Earlier in November, he was on trial at English Premier League club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite having made only 11 appearances for Pirates thus far this year. Their interest is testament to the potential the young midfielder has already displayed.

If Erasmus is set for some time on the sidelines as a result of his injury, Mofokeng will have an opportunity to stake a claim for more playing time.

Pirates will hope that he delivers some goal-scoring from the midfield. With only 11 goals in 10 games, they’ll seek a boost from their rising star to improve upon their seventh place in the PSL standings.