The Bafana Bafana international has been in ascendancy since his senior debut in late 2023.
Relebohile Mofokeng was crowned the 2023/24 Premier Soccer League's Young Player of the Season owing to his exploits in the game.
The 19-year-old's crucial role helped Orlando Pirates win the MTN8, Nedbank Cup as well as a second-place finish in the league, behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns. He had been tipped to join one of the elite teams abroad, but to date, nothing has been concluded.
The Sea Robbers midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula is convinced the Kimberley-born winger has a crucial role to play for the club, just like Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
“Yeah, I can say that [Mofokeng is like Yamal] because [when] Rele came in at Pirates there was [Thembinkosi] Lorch but you can see that he can carry this team,” he told iDiski Times.
“He can be the captain and carry us, senior guys, because when chips are down you just look at Rele like Rele ‘what’s going on’? And he will tell you ‘Grootman’ [Big Man] relax, everything is going to be fine’. Then you know we are going to end well.”
Tough season ahead?
Mofokeng has, however, been warned he will not get it easy since the defenders will make it harder for him.
“Yoh! Difficult question but I think it’s a really big season for him because at the end of last season they were already planning for him,” Mofokeng continued.
“So I think this season is going to be a difficult season because everyone is going to focus on him. That’s why I’m saying that the Nkotas and the other youngsters can maybe get that pressure from Rele to go down.
“It’s going to be hard but he is a boy with a big heart and I know that when he is on the field he makes magic. Even if you can close him, I don’t know how many times I have seen especially in Spain, he was… I don’t even know how to say it. I mean he is young but he’s on another level let’s be honest.”
Bucs started the season with a 3-1 win over SuperSport United in the MTN8 quarter-final game staged at the Orlando Stadium.
