One of South Africa’s brightest young talents at the moment is Orlando
Pirates midfielder Relebohile “Rele” Mofokeng, who has maintained impressive
consistency over the past three seasons.
According to his teammate, defender Thabiso Lebitso, the key to Mofokeng’s
sustained success is his humility. Speaking to the media during the MTN 8
for Goals Charity event at the Zodwa Khoza Foundation in Soweto on
Wednesday, Lebitso explained that Mofokeng stands out from many other
youngsters because he hasn’t become big-headed.
“Firstly, I’d say in South Africa, most of the time, when you see a player
like that playing two, three seasons, you will definitely see [them turn
into] someone different. Because when you’re a youngster and you come into
the club, obviously people start to know you, the whole of South Africa
starts to know you, and now you start to be big-headed and stuff. But
speaking about Rele? No chance,” Lebitso said.
“He is always humble, always making sure that he works and listens. Looking
at the level that he is now, you’d expect him not to listen to the older
players or maybe the senior players, but definitely, if you tell him
something, then he’ll listen. That’s why he’s doing all the wonders that
he’s doing today.”
The 21-year-old, who is currently with Bafana Bafana ahead of two
international friendly matches against Panama, has scored seven goals in the
Betway Premiership this season across 19 appearances.
In total, the Sharpville-born midfielder has played 28 games in all
competitions for Pirates this season, scoring eight goals and providing five
assists. Having won the Young Player of the Season award two years in a row,
Mofokeng now stands a chance to compete for the top honours—Player of the
Season or even Players’ Player of the Season—given the outstanding form he
is in.
